Arch Manning, Olivia Miles, Tyrese Maxey Among Athletes Named to TIME100 Next 2026 List
TIME has named multiple athletes to its annual list of "the world's most influential rising stars."
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey were among those listed Wednesday on the TIME100 Next 2026.
Other athletes celebrated on the list included USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and WTA No. 18 Alexandra Eala.
Maxey, 25, made the list after averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game in his sixth season with the Sixers.
He was featured alongside a profile written by new teammate LeBron James, who wrote his relationship with Maxey "definitely influenced my decision to come to Philadelphia and join the 76ers."
"He's just a joy to be around. It's up to us as his teammates to continue to push him to be as great as he can be. I'm happy to be a part of it," James wrote.
Manning, 22, made his appearance on the list after leading Texas to a 4-0 start to his second season as a full-time college starter.
His profile was written by actor and Longhorns fan Matthew McConaughey, who indicated he is expecting big things from Manning down an upcoming stretch featuring five straight games against ranked opponents.
"After a promising second half to last season, some added offensive weapons, and most importantly some time to settle into himself, the occasion for Arch's inner confidence to deal with the brightest lights has never been more lit," McConaughey wrote.
Miles, 23, was named the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year after leading the Lynx to the top seed in the WNBA playoffs while breaking Caitlin Clark's all-time rookie record for total points.
She was celebrated with a profile by WNBA legend Sue Bird, who complimented the Lynx rookie for bringing a new personal and playing style to the league.
"She has had such an impressive first year in the WNBA that you can imagine her having great individual success; you can imagine her winning championships," Bird wrote. "What's fun is that we get to watch her do it all in real time. Olivia is only just beginning to scratch the surface."
The honor came the day after the Lynx suffered an upset elimination loss to the Liberty in which Miles was held to just five points.
Balogun made the list after leading the United States on its run to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Eala, who could take a step closer to qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a win at the 2026 Asian Games, was described as a "true phenomenon" in her accompanying profile by Rafael Nadal.
