ESPN ranks five Houston Texans players among the top 100 NFL players

ESPN identified five Houston Texans players for its top 100 list ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. earned the number 21 spot following back-to-back All-Pro selections, joining defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, cornerback Kamari Lassiter, and wide receiver Nico Collins in the rankings. Anderson, recognized as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, appears at number 14. These selections reflect the depth of the team's defensive roster as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. The Houston Texans open their regular season schedule with a home game against the Buffalo Bills on September 13. Analysts project continued impact from the defensive core under the guidance of head coach DeMeco Ryans.

• 1:46 AMYahoo Sports — Texans Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter named Top 40 players in ESPN Top 100
• 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — Texans All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. named Top 25 players for 2026 by ESPN