Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is ranked No. 13 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list [1].
The ranking signifies a massive shift in how league peers perceive McBride's impact on the field. As a player-voted list, the placement reflects a high level of respect from opponents and teammates alike.
The NFL announced the rankings on Thursday, Aug. 21 [2]. McBride's ascent to the 13th position represents a climb of 52 spots from the previous year [4]. This jump follows a strong 2026 season where McBride established himself as a primary offensive threat for Arizona.
"We knew it would be high, but seeing Trey McBride crack the top 15, and make his way up all the way to the 13th best player in the NFL on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026," a Yahoo Sports author said [1].
McBride is one of only three Arizona Cardinals players to appear on the Top 100 list this year [5]. The inclusion of multiple players suggests a rising trajectory for the franchise's overall talent pool, a trend highlighted by McBride's elite standing among tight ends.
Other analysts noted the significance of the ranking. A Sports Illustrated columnist said McBride appeared at No. 13 on this year's list [3]. The ranking process relies on votes from active NFL players, meaning McBride's position is a direct reflection of his reputation among the league's current athletes.
"McBride is No. 13 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026," a USA Today reporter said [2].
“Trey McBride is ranked No. 13 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list.”
The jump of 52 spots indicates that McBride has transitioned from a promising young talent to one of the most feared players at his position. Because the NFL Top 100 is determined by peer voting, this ranking serves as a barometer for how the league's defensive coordinators and players view his ability to change a game, placing him in the top tier of the league's overall talent regardless of position.
