Nike Announces Its 2026 NFL Rookie Class—Including Projected Top 10 Picks

NIKE, Inc. has announced its 2026 NFL Rookie Class. The cohort includes 20 elite athletes—including six to eight projected first-round draft picks and projected top 10 picks David Bailey (Texas Tech), Mansoor Delane (LSU), and Sonny Styles (Ohio State).

As seen through the Jordan Brand Classic and growing NIL roster, the Oregon-based sportswear juggernaut is dedicated to future playmakers, leveraging its decades in performance innovation to help them redefine modern sports.

Nike's latest rookie class made its mark at the most recent NFL Combine. Mike Washington Jr., who played running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks, recorded the fastest 40‑yard dash for his position at just 4.33 seconds. He was one of 18 athletes of the 22 who ran this year's 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds or less while wearing Nike Vapor cleats.

Nike's complete 2026 NFL Rookie Class consists of:

• David Bailey, defensive end, Texas Tech
• Chris Bell, wide receiver, Louisville
• Skyler Bell, wide receiver, UConn
• Germie Bernard, wide receiver, Alabama
• Chris Brazzell II, wide receiver, Tennessee
• Deion Burks, wide receiver, Oklahoma
• Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver, Indiana
• Mansoor Delane, defensive back, LSU
• Malachi Fields, wide receiver, Notre Dame
• Jermod McCoy, defensive back, Tennessee
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, defensive back, Toledo
• Akheem Mesidor, defensive end, Miami
• Nicholas Singleton, running back, Penn State
• Eli Stowers, tight end, Vanderbilt
• De’Zhaun Stribling, wide receiver, Ole Miss
• Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State
• Dillon Thieneman, defensive back, Oregon
• Michael Trigg, tight end, Baylor
• Mike Washington Jr., running back, Arkansas
• Antonio Williams, wide receiver, Clemson

"When I think of Nike, I think of a family of innovators, people pushing the boundaries, trying new things and putting out quality products for the fans," shared Texas Tech's Bailey.

The next generation of U.S. football talent will have access to world-class gear like the upcoming Alpha Menace 5 Elite cleat, designed with athlete insight from all levels to meet the demands of the modern game. This continued investment to young players reinforces Nike's company-wide belief in the importance of supporting talent at evert stage.