It's one of the questions I get asked most often during the offseason.
"Who is this year's version of [ enter breakout player from last season]?"
It's not a simple question to answer, because no two scenarios are exactly alike. But there are obviously comparable players in similar situations. And, if the people want comparisons, comparisons they shall have!
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The process is simple: I wrote down each of 2025's top breakout players and came up with a short list of players who fit a similar pedigree as they enter 2026. Below is an analysis of each player who best fits the bill, as well as the other players who landed on the short list.
This is not my way of definitively predicting that these players will definitely break out this season. It's simply the players positioned to do as a product of landing in a similar situation to those players who exploded onto the fantasy scene last season.
Maye and Williams were Year 2 quarterback breakouts who both finished top 5 in fantasy points.
Dart is one of my favorite targets in 2026 fantasy drafts after an impressive rookie season in which he delivered eight -- yes, eight -- top-10 fantasy weeks (only four QBs had more) despite playing most of the snaps in only 12 games. Dart has quickly emerged as an elite rushing threat, he has a better head coach in John Harbaugh, and his supporting cast is improved with a healthy Malik Nabers (at some point) and Isaiah Likely. Even if he's only passable as a passer (see what I did there?), Dart's rushing numbers supply him with elite fantasy upside.
Other candidate: Tyler Shough
Carnell Tate should be heavily targeted by Cam Ward and deliver immediate fantasy production. Steve Roberts/Imagn Images McMillan and Egbuka were rookie wide receivers who emerged as weekly fantasy starters.
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No surprise here. The fourth overall pick of April's draft, Tate has Year 1 production written all over him. History agrees, as wide receivers selected in the top 10 handle, on average, one-quarter of their team's targets and generally deliver WR2/3 fantasy production. The player out of Ohio State will have to fend off Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley and needs a Year 2 leap from QB Cam Ward, but there's plenty of reason for optimism considering his elite efficiency at Ohio State and the Titans' draft investment.