Freaks List 2026: Bruce Feldman's Annual Celebration of College Football's Most Athletic Players

The Freaks Are Back

Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List has become a college football institution, and the 2026 edition does not disappoint. The list, which celebrates the most athletic players in the sport, is a who's who of the fastest, strongest, and most explosive athletes in college football. From wide receivers who can run a 4.2-second 40-yard dash to defensive linemen who bench press 500 pounds, the Freaks List is a testament to the incredible athleticism that defines modern college football.

This year's list features 50 players from across the country, with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the rankings. The list is based on a combination of verified testing numbers, game film analysis, and input from coaches and strength staff. Here are the top 10 freaks for the 2026 season.

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

The sophomore wide receiver returns to the top spot after a dominant freshman season that saw him catch 78 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith's combination of size (6'3", 215 lbs), speed (4.28 40-yard dash), and explosiveness (43-inch vertical) makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. Ohio State strength coach Mickey Marotti called Smith 'the most gifted athlete I've ever worked with.' His 450-pound bench press and 600-pound squat are absurd for a wide receiver, and his ability to accelerate out of breaks is unmatched in college football.

2. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Pearce returns to the Freaks List after a 2025 season that saw him record 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. His 4.38 40-yard dash at 6'5", 245 pounds is the stuff of legend, and his 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump are elite for any position, let alone a defensive end. Tennessee's strength staff has been working on his functional strength, and his 380-pound bench press is a significant improvement from last year. Pearce is the most feared pass rusher in the SEC.

3. Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

Harbor has been a fixture on the Freaks List since his freshman year, and his 2026 testing numbers are even more impressive. The 6'5", 242-pound wide receiver runs a 4.31 40-yard dash — the same time as many NFL wide receivers who are 30 pounds lighter. His 40-inch vertical and 600-pound squat are among the best in the country at any position. Harbor's 2025 season was solid (45 catches, 680 yards, 8 TDs), but his raw athleticism suggests there is much more to come.

4. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Michigan's defensive tackle is a rare combination of size and explosiveness. At 6'3", 320 pounds, Graham runs a 4.95 40-yard dash — absurd for a player his size. His 36-inch vertical and 550-pound bench press are elite for any defensive lineman. Graham's 2025 season was dominant (8 sacks, 12 TFL), and his ability to push the pocket from the interior makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

5. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Campbell has been a mainstay on the Freaks List throughout his LSU career, and his 2026 testing numbers are his best yet. The 6'6", 325-pound offensive tackle runs a 5.05 40-yard dash and benched 450 pounds. His 33-inch vertical is remarkable for an offensive lineman, and his 10-foot-2 broad jump is among the best at his position. Campbell's combination of size, strength, and agility makes him the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft.

6. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Yes, a quarterback made the Freaks List. Gabriel's athleticism is often overlooked because of his stature (5'11", 200 lbs), but his testing numbers are elite. His 4.40 40-yard dash is the fastest among FBS starting quarterbacks, and his 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jump would be impressive for any position. Gabriel's ability to extend plays and make throws on the run is a product of his elite athleticism, and his 2025 season (3,800 passing yards, 35 TDs) was his best.

7. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks has been a Freaks List regular, and his 2026 testing numbers reaffirm his status as one of the most athletic safeties in the country. The 6'1", 205-pound junior runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and benched 385 pounds. His 42-inch vertical is among the best at his position, and his 11-foot-1 broad jump is elite. Starks' 2025 season was his best, with 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

8. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Banks has been a starter since his freshman year, and his athleticism has been a key factor in his success. The 6'4", 320-pound tackle runs a 5.01 40-yard dash and benched 440 pounds. His 31-inch vertical and 9-foot-9 broad jump are among the best for offensive tackles. Banks' 2025 season was his best, earning him second-team All-American honors, and he is projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

9. Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

Perkins' 2025 season was limited by injury, but his athletic testing numbers remain elite. The 6'1", 220-pound linebacker runs a 4.42 40-yard dash and benched 390 pounds. His 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump are among the best at his position. When healthy, Perkins is a game-changing defender who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and chase down running backs from sideline to sideline.

10. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Hunter continues to defy convention by playing both cornerback and wide receiver at an elite level. His 4.32 40-yard dash is the fastest among two-way players, and his 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad jump are elite for any position. Hunter's 2025 season (75 catches, 1,100 yards, 10 TDs on offense; 5 interceptions on defense) earned him All-American honors at both positions, and his athleticism is the reason he can handle the workload.

What This Means for CFB 27

In College Football 27, the Freaks List players are among the highest-rated athletes in the game. Jeremiah Smith's 99 speed rating and 99 acceleration make him the most dangerous deep threat in the game. James Pearce Jr.'s combination of speed and power makes him a dominant pass rusher. The game's athlete trait system — which rates players on a scale of 1-99 for speed, strength, agility, and explosiveness — is designed to reflect the real-world athletic testing that Feldman's list celebrates. For Ultimate Team players, Freaks List players are among the most valuable cards in the game, and the annual Freaks List promo is one of the most anticipated events of the season.