The second-year players that are X-factors in 2026

We know it's not very humble to say, "I told you so." But...we told you so! At this time last year, we highlighted Cole Bishop and Kris Jenkins—among others—as potential X-factors. And for better or worse, both Bishop and Jenkins were X-factors during the 2025 season. So, we're running it back. Robert Mays, Dave Helman, and Derrik Klassen bring you 15 more players that are X-factors for their teams in 2026.

0:00 Welcome to the show

2:21 Vita Vea & Jalen Carter news

15:00 Jared Wilson

18:30 Will Campbell

21:21 Barrett Carter & Demetrius Knight

28:52 Anthony Belton

34:54 Terrance Ferguson

40:35 Matthew Golden

47:11 Travis Hunter

51:25 Tyleik Williams

55:05 Tate Ratledge

59:45 TJ Sanders

1:00:12 Pat Bryant

1:00:38 Lathan Ransom

1:02:50 Donovan Ezeiruaku

1:03:32 Several 49ers

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Host: Robert Mays

Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

Executive Producer: Michael Beller

Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

Social Producer: Scott Krinch

Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

Theme song: Haunted

Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

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