The second-year players that are X-factors in 2026

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<p>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.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:21 Vita Vea &amp; Jalen Carter news</p><p>15:00 Jared Wilson</p><p>18:30 Will Campbell</p><p>21:21 Barrett Carter &amp; Demetrius Knight</p><p>28:52 Anthony Belton</p><p>34:54 Terrance Ferguson</p><p>40:35 Matthew Golden</p><p>47:11 Travis Hunter</p><p>51:25 Tyleik Williams</p><p>55:05 Tate Ratledge</p><p>59:45 TJ Sanders</p><p>1:00:12 Pat Bryant</p><p>1:00:38 Lathan Ransom</p><p>1:02:50 Donovan Ezeiruaku</p><p>1:03:32 Several 49ers</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>