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
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