With Daytona behind us and a full year of racing ahead, it’s inevitable that some things will be changing this year.

Some drivers will fall off from their 2025 performances, others will step up big time and reach the next level of success. And some new faces will make waves.

Read on for my picks of 5 Cup drivers who I believe will make a big splash in 2026 at the top level of NASCAR.

1. Connor Zilisch: This young man will be the breakout star of the year in Cup, I can say with confidence. He is a generational talent – and he has more accolades as a teenager than most people get in their careers. Sky’s the limit, and Trackhouse has themselves a gem.

Between Zilisch and Shane Van Gisbergen, Trackhouse should take all the road course wins this year, plus some of the ovals as well. Zilisch needs to get better in pressure situations in Cup, but once he does, the rest of the field can get used to the feeling of waving goodbye as he drives off in the distance. I predict at least one checkered flag for the rookie, and possibly several victories.