The NFL Top 100 of 2026, the annual player-voted countdown produced by NFL Films, premieres Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m. ET exclusively on X. This marks the return of one of the most anticipated offseason traditions, giving fans a chance to see which players their peers consider the best in the league. And for fans who want to show support, the countdown is the perfect excuse to grab a fresh jersey of their favorite rising star.
How the Countdown Works
Episodes debut weekdays on X beginning June 22 and run through September 4. For players ranked 100 through 11, each weekday episode features two reveals through Friday, August 21. The top 10 will roll out over two weeks, with one player revealed each day at 10 a.m. ET from August 24 through September 4. The list will also air later on NFL Plus, but X subscribers get the first look.
NFL Top 100 Debut Candidates to Watch
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has identified seven players poised to make their Top 100 debut this year, and each one represents a growing merchandise opportunity. Here is a closer look at the names to watch:
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots — The 2025 MVP runner-up led the NFL in completion rate 72 percent and passer rating 113.5. Maye became just the eighth quarterback in league history to finish a season with 4,000-plus yards and 30-plus touchdowns while completing 70 percent of his passes. Patriots fans are already flooding the market for his jerseys as New England reloads for a redemption campaign.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks — The reigning Offensive Player of the Year led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards and 119 catches while transitioning from the slot to the outside. After signing a four-year, $168 million extension this offseason, JSN Seahawks jerseys are among the hottest items on the market right alongside Super Bowl LX championship gear.
George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys — Pickens ranked third in the league with 1,429 receiving yards after being traded to Dallas, proving himself as a legitimate WR1 alongside CeeDee Lamb. Playing on the franchise tag in a contract year, Cowboys fans are snapping up his apparel ahead of what promises to be a monster season.
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears — The Madden NFL 27 cover star has helped transform the Bears into a legitimate title contender. Chicago jerseys bearing his number continue to fly off shelves, and a Top 100 debut will only accelerate demand.
Prime Time for Player Merch
The NFL Top 100 countdown has historically driven a measurable spike in jersey and apparel sales for featured players. A Top 100 debut is a career milestone that validates a player elite status, and fans love to invest in merchandise that celebrates that recognition. With training camps opening in July and the regular season kicking off September 9, the timing of the Top 100 series is perfect for fans building out their game-day wardrobe for 2026.
Whether you are backing a new face like Drake Maye or a established star finally getting his due like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, now is the time to grab officially licensed Nike NFL jerseys, sideline apparel, and fan gear before the season heats up.
Tune in to X on June 22 for the start of the NFL Top 100 of 2026 — and get your squad fresh while you watch.