The Next Big Thing
Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton has shattered records and expectations in his first NFL season, proving to fans everywhere that he can handle the pro spotlight. Fleming » Football nominees »
Finlay Mackay for ESPN The Magazine
MORE UP-AND-COMING ATHLETES
While Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis shows the heavy bag who's boss, meet the NEXT athletes in motorsports, tennis, golf and more. Read »
ONE IN A BILLION
In a tiny village in India, a giant grew. His father placed a basketball in his hands. Years later, the NBA searched for, and found, 14-year-old 7-footer Satnam Singh Bhamara. Read »
FROZEN IN TIME
Cody Paul was a 12-year-old YouTube sensation. Now a high school senior, he's finding the hype much harder to shake. Read »
Strength from Weakness
No one will ever see it again: A 24-year-old going yard off future Hall of Famers while hiding Parkinson's. But Ben Petrick didn't reach his full potential until he revealed the truth. Read »
FAN FAVORITES
Nearly 300,000 of you joined the conversation about NEXT athletes. And, for the most part, we'll have to agree to disagree. Read »
THE $300,000 CRAPSHOOT
The making of the next great thoroughbred is fraught with peril. But if all goes to plan -- as it has so far for filly Strike It Lucky -- the payoff might just be a shot at the Triple Crown. Read »
THE TOP 1 PERCENT
For NFL QBs, there's a very thin line between really good and Hall of Fame. Atlanta's Matt Ryan is working hard to cross over. Read »
Every year since 1998, ESPN The Magazine has recognized an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead -- athletes we call NEXT. They are competitors not only on the cusp of stardom, but on the verge of transcending their sports. NEXT is what happens when the hype is real.
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