Chicago Bears’ young core ranked among best in NFL

The Chicago Bears are expected to build on their impressive year last season. They finished the 2025 NFL season with 11 wins and six losses, their best record in seven years. Chicago also won the NFC North title for the first time since 2018.

Leading the charge for the Bears was their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. The first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft had a great second season. He threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards on 330 completions and 27 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the Bears failed to win another Super Bowl title after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers.

Chicago Bears ranked third for the best young core in the NFL

The Bears are building a young roster heading into the 2026 NFL season, with Williams as the cornerstone.

ESPN has ranked Chicago as the third-best team based on its under-25 players. Only the New England Patriots and Houston Texans rank above the young Bears.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is entering his third season, and he’ll also turn 25 years old on November 18. Aside from Williams, Chicago also has young talent who are expected to contribute this season.

The Madden 27 cover athlete will have 24-year-old Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III at wide receiver. He will also have and Colston Loveland at the tight end position. Loveland and Odunze are only 22 years old.

Chicago also has Ozzy Trapilo, Gervon Dexter Sr., Shemar Turner, Logan Jones and Dillon Thieneman as part of their young core. All players are still under 24 years old.

Despite having one of the best young talents in the league, some sports analysts are still doubting the Bears. ESPN analytics only gave Chicago a 19% chance of winning the NFC North next season.

The 2026 NFL Season opens on Sept. 9. Head coach Ben Johnson and the Bears still have a few months this offseason to solidify their team.