The following Saturday -- officially Week 1 -- brings big-time showdowns of Texas-Ohio State, LSU-Clemson and Notre Dame-Miami. And then the NFL season begins just a few days after that. Buckle up

It’s also the beginning of a year-long chance for players to build their résumé ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Of note, Texas redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning is not included due to a lack of sample size and the belief that he’ll return to school for the 2026 season.

Arch Manning isn’t thinking too much about the NFL right now and is solely focusing on Texas’ meeting with Ohio State.

If Saints fans thought their quarterback situation was settled for the future, think again. The search for a franchise QB is set to continue in the 2026 NFL draft, and the team could be making history in the process.

Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Cam McCormick (84) celebrate with offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) after scoring a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Vikings are coming off a draft with limited picks, but they're now heading into 2026 reloaded. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has shown he can build a roster through free agency, but the draft remains a work in progress. He has improved significantly since his first class in 2022, but 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year.