The 2026 NFL schedule is out, and while this year's rookie class might not be as star-studded as some previous years, there are still some intriguing matchups worth circling on your calendar.

In most seasons, a meeting between the only two first-round quarterbacks drafted would be must-see TV. This year, when the Las Vegas Raiders face the Los Angeles Rams, the headliner might actually be Kirk Cousins vs. Matthew Stafford—not exactly the rookie showcase fans were hoping for. Raiders first-rounder Fernando Mendoza will likely start the season behind veteran Cousins, learning the ropes after the team invested $20 million in his development. Meanwhile, Rams rookie Ty Simpson probably won't see the field at all as long as Stafford, the reigning MVP, stays healthy.

But don't let that underwhelming QB matchup fool you. The 2026 draft class may be thinner than recent years, but there are still some exciting rookie vs. rookie battles that promise to deliver fireworks. Here are the games you won't want to miss.

Perhaps the most compelling storyline comes from the NFC West, where two former Notre Dame teammates will face off twice a season. Running backs Jeremiyah Love and Aneyas Williams were college teammates with the Fighting Irish before both hearing their names called in the first round. Love went to the San Francisco 49ers, while Williams landed with the Seattle Seahawks.

While Love is widely considered the better prospect—and a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate—Williams is something of a wild card. He didn't get as many carries behind Love in college, but the Super Bowl champion Seahawks clearly saw enough to make him a first-round pick. When these two take the field, it won't just be a battle for NFC West supremacy—it'll be a chance to compare two backs who know each other's game better than anyone.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love watching the next generation of stars, these rookie showdowns are the perfect excuse to grab your favorite team gear and settle in for some football.