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