Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and offensive tackle Joe Alt were left off The Athletic's top players 25 and under list heading into the 2026 season.
The ranking, which was compiled by NFL executives, coaches and scouts, did not include McConkey, Tuipulotu or Alt. Instead, the three Chargers were listed as honorable mentions.
Among the other honorable mentions were Giants' Malik Nabers, Ravens' Zay Flowers, Falcons' Kyle Pitts, and Patriots' Christian Gonzalez, to name a few.
Outside of Tuipulotu, the other two are entering the 2026 season after either an underwhelming or injury-riddled 2025 season.
Tuipulotu was the only one who produced at a high level, racking up career-highs across the board. The 23-year-old recorded 13 sacks, 49 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits in 16 games. He also earned his first-ever Pro Bowl nod.
As for Alt, he was held to only six games. The former fifth overall pick suffered a severe right ankle injury. Alt's presence was missed dearly. Add to that the fact that the Chargers were without their other star tackle, Rashawn Slater, and it's no wonder they allowed Justin Herbert to be sacked a career-high 54 times.
McConkey, on the other hand, was available and played, but his numbers were down, and his production level was down immediately, especially compared to his 2024 rookie season.
Last season, the former Georgia Bulldog recorded 66 receptions for 789 yards, six touchdowns, and averaged 49.3 yards per game. Compare that to his stellar rookie season, where he recorded 82 receptions for 1,149 yards, seven touchdowns, and averaged 71.8 yards per game, and it's clear 2025 was a significant step back.
All in all, the Chargers have great young talent on their side. Alt, Tuipulotu and McConkey are expected to do their part in guiding the Chargers to new heights this season.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 3 Chargers receive honorable mentions in NFL's top 25 players under 25
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