NFL analyst Nick Shook announced the All-Under-25 Team to highlight the league's top young talent entering the 2026 season.
The selection identifies the players most likely to shape the future of the league through their immediate impact and ascending trajectories. By isolating players under 25, the list distinguishes emerging stars from established veterans.
The roster consists of 23 players in total [3]. This group is split between the different sides of the ball, with 12 offensive players selected, including one flex spot [1]. The defensive side of the ball is represented by 11 players [2].
Among the notable names included in the selection are quarterback Drake Maye and defensive standout Abdul Carter. The list also features running back Bijan Robinson and a wide receiver from the Panthers. These players were identified as the premier young talents currently playing in the NFL.
Shook assembled the team with input from other analysts, including Gregg Rosenthal. The announcement was shared via NFL.com and featured in an NFL Daily video to provide a snapshot of the league's youth movement heading into the new campaign.
The team serves as a benchmark for young players who have transitioned successfully from college to the professional level. It highlights those who have not only adapted to the speed of the NFL, but have become cornerstone pieces for their respective franchises.
“The roster consists of 23 players in total.”
The creation of an All-Under-25 Team underscores the NFL's increasing reliance on high-impact rookies and second-year players to drive franchise success. By identifying a core group of 23 ascending talents, the league highlights a shift toward a younger window of peak performance for elite athletes.
