We’re on the cusp of seeing some of the most popular sports leagues yield several breakout stars heading into 2026. The NFL, NBA, and NHL are heavily watched, so fans can already see the writing on the wall for select players to continue climbing on an upward trajectory.
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We’re starting in the NFL. Potential breakout stars in 2026 include names like Houston Texans rookie running back, Woody Marks, Denver Broncos wideout, Troy Franklin, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy’s volatile play as a starter in 2025 makes him a potential breakout star in 2026, whether it’s in Minnesota or elsewhere. Marks has begun to evolve into the Texans’ RB1 over Nick Chubb, while showcasing his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Franklin has already broken out but he should be a super star wideout during his third year in the NFL next season.
On the defensive side, Jaelan Phillips leads the list of breakout candidates. The Eagles’ edge rusher, recently acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, dominated the line of scrimmage against the Detroit Lions during his debut with Philadelphia.
Other potential NFL breakout stars on defense include Atlanta Falcons’ first-round selection, rookie edge rusher, Jalon Walker, and Baltimore Ravens’ second-round draft pick, Mike Green. Both rookies are excellent at disrupting opposing backfields and should continue to ascend in 2026.
The NBA has a pair of forwards ready to breakout as stars during the latter half of the 2025-26 season. It starts with Detroit’s Jalen Duren and also includes Houston’s Amen Thompson.
The Pistons are atop the Eastern Conference standings right now and Duren’s budding breakout is a primary reason. Their 22-year-old starting center is averaging a double-double, scoring 20.6 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game, returning huge value as the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Amen Thompson’s role with the Houston Rockets has allowed the second-year guard to thrive alongside star forward, Kevin Durant. Thompson is averaging a career-high 16.8 points per game and 5.2 assists. A former top-five pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Thompson is the other rising star to continue monitoring heading into 2026.
The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the most surprising teams through the first quarter of the 2025-26 NHL season. Two of the Ducks’ top points leaders, Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson, are both 22 years old or younger, while tallying a combined 50 points for Anaheim’s second-ranked scoring offense.
Gauthier and Carlsson should continue to evolve into breakout stars as this season progresses. Expect them to make the full leap into super stardom next season.
We’re also going to highlight Matthew Schaefer. The New York Islanders’ 18-year-old defenseman already has the third-most goals and total points during his rookie campaign.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft has taken the ice by storm. There’s no doubt that Schaeffer’s current production will continue to increase as he acclimates to the league, making him a 2026 breakout star in the NHL.