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The NFL is loaded with young players entering the 2026 season with the opportunity to take their games to another level. Some have already shown flashes of becoming stars, while others are stepping into much larger roles for the first time. With the regular season about to begin, here are 13 players that are poised for breakout seasons. MORE: Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026 Jaxson Dart, Giants Dart showed enough as a rookie to make Giants fans believe they finally have their quarterback of the future. With a full season ahead of him, the second-year quarterback has legitimate breakout potential. A new coaching staff and a healthy Malik Nabers could make all the difference. Luther Burden III, Bears Burden is one of the most intriguing breakout candidates. The Bears have moved on from DJ Moore, opening up additional opportunities in the passing game, and Burden should have a chance to emerge as Caleb Williams’ top target alongside Rome Odunze. Colston Loveland, Bears Loveland was limited early in the season as a rookie, but the former first-round pick has a chance to become a major part of Ben Johnson’s offense in Year 2, as we saw later in the season and into the postseason. His combination of size and receiving ability gives him legitimate breakout potential. MORE: Predicting the AFC playoff teams ahead of the 2026-2027 NFL season Jordan Mason, Vikings Mason has already demonstrated that he can produce when given opportunities. He led qualifying running backs in both forced missed tackle rate and explosive run rate over the past two seasons, and is expected to be a lead back for the first time in his career. Jonathon Brooks, Panthers Health is the biggest question, but Brooks still possesses the talent that made him a second-round pick. If he stays healthy, Carolina could finally give him the workload necessary to show why he was considered a potential three-down back coming out of Texas. Quinshon Judkins, Browns Judkins had to deal with a terrible Cleveland offense as a rookie and some off-field issues, but the Browns have upgraded their offensive personnel, and those issues seem to be behind him. His ceiling is extremely high if the offense improves around him, and that starts with the rookie wide receivers opening up the pass game. Josh Downs, Colts Downs has been efficient during his first two seasons in the league. With Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, Downs should see significantly more opportunities in Indianapolis, not just to be on the field, but also targets-wise. MORE: Bold NFL rushing yard predictions for 2026-2027 Michael Wilson, Cardinals Wilson already began showing what he can do late last season. In five games without Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson averaged 13.6 targets, 9.2 receptions, and 119.6 receiving yards, along with four touchdowns. Although Harrison is healthy once again, Wilson clearly showed his ability to be a difference-maker. Matthew Golden, Packers Golden had only 29 catches for 361 yards as a rookie, but the former first-round pick has the talent to take a significant second-year leap. With Romeo Doubs gone, his role in the Packers offense should be much bigger this season. Omarion Hampton, Chargers Hampton’s rookie season was interrupted by injury, but he still produced 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in nine games. With better health, his second season could look completely different. Jayden Daniels, Commanders Daniels already looked like a star as a rookie, but year two was a disappointment and riddled with injuries. The thought is that with another year of experience and Washington continuing to build around him, a true MVP-caliber season isn’t out of the question. MORE: NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026 Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals Harrison had a solid rookie season, but since then, he has yet to really live up to the hype that comes with being a top draft pick and the son of a Hall of Fame receiver. The talent is there, so is the opportunity, and this could be the year that he puts it all together. RJ Harvey, Broncos Harvey enters his second season with an opportunity to become a much bigger part of Denver’s offense. JK Dobbins is the starter for now, and they drafted Jonah Coleman, but the Broncos have already shown that they want to establish a stronger running game. Harvey’s explosiveness gives them that ability to do that, making him an intriguing breakout candidate. Travis Hunter, Jaguars Hunter’s versatility makes him one of the most fascinating players in the NFL. His talent gives Jacksonville an opportunity to get a major impact from him in Year 2. He is likely to contribute more as a defensive player, and focusing more on one side of the ball should benefit him. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —