Sons of Former CFB or NFL Players to Watch for in 2026 College Football Season
When you flip on a game during the 2026 college football season, there may be a player whose name immediately sparks a thought in your brain.
First: Yes, you're old.
Second: Sure enough, that player is the son of a former college football—or even NFL—standout from a generation ago. (No, we're not counting Arch Manning, the nephew and grandson of NFL royalty.)
While not a comprehensive list, the FBS players featured here are expected to hold prominent roles this season.
Christian Harrison, S, Arkansas
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During the New England Patriots' early stages of their Tom Brady-led dynasty, a familiar face roamed the back end of the defense. Rodney Harrison, who initially starred for the San Diego Chargers, was an All-Pro safety who helped the Pats bring home a pair of Super Bowl titles.
Christian Harrison is following in his father's footsteps.
After being a reserve at Tennessee from 2022-24, he transferred to Cincinnati and became a key piece of the defense. Harrison, also a safety, notched 66 tackles with seven pass breakups and an interception.
Harrison again entered the portal and landed at Arkansas, where he's expected to start for a new-look Razorbacks team under Ryan Silverfield.
Justice Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
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"We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose."
In case you don't remember that iconic call, it refers to when Georgia went to sixth-ranked Tennessee and pulled out a 26-24 upset win in 2001. David Greene found Verron Haynes for a last-second six-yard touchdown.
Haynes then played in the NFL from 2002-09, winning a Super Bowl as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The torch has been passed to Justice Haynes, a standout running back now at Georgia Tech. He spent two years at Alabama before a breakout season for Michigan in 2025, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors after totaling 907 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games.
Although he twice took on UGA while at Bama, Haynes didn't hold a leading role. That can change, provided he is healthy, on Nov. 28 this year.
Bryce Young, DE, Notre Dame
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Bryce Young, a valuable backup the last two seasons, is moving into a starting spot for Notre Dame in 2026.
You can understand why some fans are particularly excited about him.
Bryant Young, a star defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers from 1994-2007, is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The QB-hunting lineage has been passed down to Bryce, an imposing 6'7" edge-rusher. He appears due for a breakout season after tallying a combined 46 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, over the last two years.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Chris Henry Jr., WR, Ohio State
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Two-time All-American Jeremiah Smith is the obvious leader of Ohio State's receiving corps, but a newcomer might be his sidekick in 2026.
Chris Henry Jr., a 5-star talent in the 2026 cycle, has only impressed in Columbus since enrolling this winter. He appears on track to join Smith and Brandon Inniss as a starter in the Julian Sayin-led offense.
The wideout's father is the late Chris Henry, a former receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught 119 passes in five seasons with Cincy.
Ohio State is not relying on the true freshman to lead its championship charge, but Henry sure looks capable of boosting the Buckeyes.
Rocco Becht, QB, Penn State
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Likely the most recognizable player on the list is Rocco Becht, formerly the starter at Iowa State now ready to oversee the Penn State offense.
Becht, after a redshirt year, gained the starting job in 2023 and soared to Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. He surpassed 9,000 yards with 64 touchdowns while posting a 26-13 record in Ames.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell accepted the job in Happy Valley following the 2025 season and promptly brought Becht along with him.
The senior QB is the son of Anthony Becht, a 2000 first-round pick and longtime NFL tight end. He caught 21 touchdowns from 2000-11, suiting up for five different teams and most notably with the New York Jets.
Kennedy Urlacher, S, USC
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The mere mention of his name—Brian Urlacher—brings up memories of a hard-hitting linebacker who dominated the 2000s for the Chicago Bears. He's a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kennedy Urlacher is carving his own reputation at USC.
After playing one year at Notre Dame, he transferred out west and steadily made a greater impact for the Trojans. Kennedy ended the 2025 season as a starter in place of injured safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who's since headed to the NFL.
Urlacher, who made 26 tackles last year, is aiming to lock down a spot at safety yet offers positional flexibility at nickelback, as well.
Owen McCown, QB, UTSA
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Football fans certainly know the Manning tree, but quarterbacking runs in the McCown family, too.
Owen McCown is the latest example, following in the footsteps of his father (and uncle). Minnesota Vikings QB coach Josh McCown spent 18 seasons in the NFL, mostly as a journeyman backup—but 18 years!
Much of that knowledge has been passed to Owen, a third-year starter at UTSA who initially spent a year at Colorado. He threw for 3,424 yards and 25 scores in 2024, then put up 2,995 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. UTSA finished 7-6 with a bowl victory in both campaigns.
In no small part because of McCown's experience and impact, UTSA enters the 2026 season as a real threat to win the American.
More to Know
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Oregon's QB Room
Previously a two-year starter at Nebraska, Dylan Raiola is stepping out of the spotlight in 2026. He'll be serving as the backup to Dante Moore at Oregon. Raiola's father, Dominic, had a 14-year career with the Detroit Lions. Another reserve in Eugene is Akili Smith Jr., son of 1999 first-round selection Akili Smith.
Notre Dame's Newcomers
In the 2026 signing class, the Fighting Irish landed three sons of former NFL standouts. They added receivers Devin Fitzgerald and Kaydon Finley, who join two more NFL legacies in that room, along with linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. Larry Fitzgerald was a College and Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout, while Thomas Davis was an elite linebacker and Jermichael Finley had a memorable run at tight end.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
