Introduction
The sports card market continues to deliver major moves, with several football cards nearly tripling in value over the past month. While football dominates this week's list, baseball also brings notable market activity, from rising demand for established legends to sharp price declines for players coming off the postseason.
Strong performances, breakout opportunities, and increased collector attention are driving significant movement across the hobby. Brock Purdy is back at the top of the list as his impressive season fuels renewed demand for his rookie cards. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson is putting together a strong year in Atlanta, and college football stars Jeremiah Smith and Denzel Boston are seeing their cards gain momentum.
This week's list features five players whose cards are making significant moves. Let's break down the Top 5 Sports Cards Heating Up by Sports Card Investor based on the latest Market Movers data.
Sports Card Market Pulse
The overall sports card market continues to show positive momentum after an exceptional year for the hobby. The SCI 500 Index, which tracks 500 of the most prominent sports cards, gained another 0.5% over the last seven days and also moved higher over the last 30 days.
The biggest number remains the market's performance since the beginning of the year, with the index up nearly 57% since January 1st, 2026.
SCI 500 Index Performance:
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Up 0.5% over the last 7 days
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Up 0.3% over the last 30 days
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Up nearly 57% since January 1st, 2026
The nearly 57% year-to-date increase highlights just how strong the sports card market has been throughout 2026. Although individual cards can experience sharp price swings, the broader market remains substantially higher than where it started the year.
Football is driving much of this week's activity, with Brock Purdy, Bijan Robinson, Denzel Boston, and Jeremiah Smith all benefiting from strong performances and increased collector interest. Some cards have nearly tripled in value over the past month, demonstrating how quickly demand can change when a player catches the hobby's attention.
Baseball also offers an important reminder that card prices do not always follow on-field success. While some players are gaining momentum, Pete Crow-Armstrong's cards have declined sharply following the end of his season. These contrasting trends show why collectors should monitor both individual card performance and the broader market.
The Top 5 Sports Cards Heating Up
5. Jalon Daniels
Jalon Daniels, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opens this week's list after an unexpected opportunity to become the team's starter. Daniels previously played college football at Kansas and went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before Tampa Bay signed him.
Following Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb in Week 3, Daniels stepped into the starting role. His first outing against Green Bay did not go as planned, but he bounced back in his next game, completing 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown in a 24-6 upset victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
The win has brought renewed attention to Daniels' football cards, particularly his college prospect autographs. His increased role in Tampa Bay's offense has helped push prices higher across several cards.
Key Card Movements:
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2023 Bowman Chrome University Prospect Auto Refractor /499 1st (Raw): $16 → $50-$60
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2023 Bowman Chrome University Prospect Auto 1st (Raw): Around $27 → $37-$42
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2023 Bowman Chrome University Sapphire Edition 1st (PSA 10): $60 → $110
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2024 Bowman Best University Best of 2024 Autographs Gold Refractor /50 (Raw): $16 → $62.50
Daniels' move from an undrafted prospect to Tampa Bay's starting quarterback has created a significant opportunity for his card market. His Bowman Chrome University Autographs have recorded notable gains, although his continued performance will be important to watch as collectors assess whether the momentum can last.
4. Jeremiah Smith
Jeremiah Smith, the wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, takes the fourth spot after an extraordinary start to the college football season. Widely regarded as one of the best players in college football, Smith has produced impressive numbers through six games, recording 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Smith has also delivered consecutive 200-yard performances against Illinois and Iowa, averaging an outstanding 19.1 yards per catch. His four-touchdown performance against Illinois earned him AP National Player of the Week honors, further increasing attention around the young receiver.
With Ohio State positioned for a potential national championship run, Smith's performances are helping fuel demand for his football cards. Several of his 2025 Prizm Draft Picks cards have recorded substantial gains over the past month.
Major Card Trends:
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2025 Prizm Draft Picks Red Ice (Raw): $15 → $41-$53
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2025 Prizm Draft Picks Black Color Blast SSP (PSA 10): $1,450 → $1,750
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2025 Prizm Draft Picks Gold Ice (PSA 10): Below $200 → $475-$650
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2025 Prizm Draft Picks Silver (PSA 10): $250 → $575
Smith's production has translated into impressive price movement, with his Red Ice card nearly tripling in value. His Gold Ice and Silver cards have also recorded significant increases, making him one of the most notable college football names in the current sports card market.
3. Denzel Boston
Denzel Boston, the wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, claims the number three position after emerging as one of the most intriguing receivers from the 2026 NFL Draft class. The former Washington Huskies standout has quickly made an impact in the NFL, using his size and big-play ability to generate attention.
Through five games, Boston has recorded 16 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns. He is averaging more than 20 yards per catch and has produced several explosive plays, including receptions of 46, 55, and 60 yards. His growing role in Cleveland's passing attack has helped bring renewed interest to his football cards.
Boston's card market is showing significant momentum across both his college prospect cards and newer 2026 releases.
Notable Price Trends:
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2025 Bowman Chrome University Prospect Auto 1st (Raw): Below $20 → $35
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2026 Topps Flagship 1991 Topps Rookie Autographs (Raw): Around $16 → $43-$60
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2026 Topps Flagship Struttin' SSP Rookie (Raw): Around $60 → $100
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2026 Topps Flagship Flagship First Signatures Gold Ink Rookie (Raw): $175 → $225
Boston's big-play production and expanding role with Cleveland have helped his cards gain traction. His 1991 Topps Rookie Autograph has increased several times over from its earlier price range, while the Struttin' case hit and Gold Ink Autograph have also moved higher.
2. Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons takes the number two spot after another strong stretch has reinforced his reputation as one of the NFL's most dynamic running backs. Robinson has been carrying a major workload for Atlanta while contributing both as a runner and a receiver.
Through five games, Robinson has recorded 580 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. His two-game stretch against Green Bay and New Orleans was particularly impressive, producing 339 rushing yards and four scores. He has also contributed 732 total yards from scrimmage through five games.
His production has translated into increased collector interest, with several of his rookie cards and newer releases showing positive price movement.
Key Card Movements:
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2023 Absolute Kaboom Horizontal Rookie (PSA 10): $1,800 → $2,100-$2,265
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2023 Optic Holo Rookie (PSA 10): Around $63 → $90-$114
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2023 Prizm Silver Rookie (PSA 10): Around $225 → $290-$325
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2026 Topps Flagship All Kings SSP (Raw): $745 → $925
Robinson's strong rushing numbers and all-around production have helped push his cards higher. His Absolute Kaboom Rookie remains a standout at the higher end of the market, while the Optic Holo Rated Rookie and Prizm Silver Rookie have also recorded steady increases.
1. Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers takes the number one spot after an outstanding start to the season has helped send his football cards higher. Once the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has developed into one of the league's most efficient quarterbacks and is now generating early MVP discussion.
Purdy has been delivering big plays while running San Francisco's offense efficiently, helping put the 49ers in contention as a potential Super Bowl favorite. His strong performance has brought renewed attention to his rookie cards, with several recording substantial gains over the past month.
The latest Market Movers data shows notable increases across Purdy's Donruss, Optic, Prizm, and Absolute cards.
Major Card Trends:
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2022 Donruss Rated Rookie (PSA 10): $45 → $85
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2022 Optic Rated Rookie (PSA 10): $63 → $135
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2022 Prizm Base Rookie (PSA 10): $80 → $160.12
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2022 Prizm Silver Rookie (PSA 10): Around $750 → $1,053.35
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2025 Absolute Kaboom Horizontal SSP (Raw): $610 → As high as $900
Purdy's cards are showing strong momentum across multiple sets and price points. His Donruss Optic Rated Rookie has more than doubled in value, while his Prizm Silver Rookie has reached $1,000. The 2025 Absolute Kaboom has also moved higher, reflecting growing collector interest in one of the NFL's most talked-about quarterbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is the sports card market performing in October 2026?
The SCI 500 Index gained approximately 0.5% over the last seven days, moved slightly higher over the last 30 days, and is up nearly 57% since January 1st, 2026.
2. Which sports cards are heating up this week?
The five featured players are Brock Purdy, Bijan Robinson, Denzel Boston, Jeremiah Smith, and Jalon Daniels. Their cards have recorded notable gains, with several football cards nearly tripling in value over the past month.
3. Why are Brock Purdy cards increasing in value?
Purdy's strong start with the San Francisco 49ers and growing MVP discussion have increased collector attention. His 2022 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie PSA 10 rose from $63 to $135, while his 2022 Prizm Silver Rookie PSA 10 reached $1,000.
4. Which Bijan Robinson cards are gaining value?
Robinson's featured cards include the 2023 Absolute Kaboom Rookie PSA 10, 2023 Donruss Optic Holo Rated Rookie PSA 10, 2023 Prizm Silver Rookie PSA 10, and 2026 Topps Flagship All Kings.
5. Why are Jeremiah Smith football cards heating up?
Smith has recorded 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns through six games for Ohio State. His strong performances have helped push several of his cards higher.
6. Why are Denzel Boston cards increasing in value?
Boston has recorded 330 receiving yards and three touchdowns through five games for the Cleveland Browns. His big-play ability and growing role in the offense have helped increase interest in his Bowman Chrome University Prospect Autograph and 2026 Topps Flagship Football cards.
7. Why are Jalon Daniels cards rising in value?
Daniels earned an unexpected starting opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb. His performance in a 24-6 win over Dallas has brought renewed attention to his college prospect autographs.
8. Are rising sports card prices a guarantee of future gains?
No. Sports card prices can fluctuate based on player performance, collector demand, market conditions, and the supply of available cards. Collectors should review recent comparable sales and card condition before making purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
This week's sports card market highlights the impact that strong performances and new opportunities can have on card values. Jalon Daniels is benefiting from an unexpected starting role in Tampa Bay, while Jeremiah Smith's exceptional college season has helped push several Prizm Draft Picks cards sharply higher. Denzel Boston is also generating momentum as his role in Cleveland's offense grows.
Bijan Robinson continues to attract collector interest after a productive start for the Atlanta Falcons, while Brock Purdy leads this week's list following significant increases across several of his rookie cards. His Donruss Optic Rated Rookie and Prizm Silver Rookie stand out among the week's biggest movers.
The broader market remains strong, with the SCI 500 Index up nearly 57% year to date. However, the sharp decline in Pete Crow-Armstrong's cards also serves as a reminder that even outstanding seasons do not guarantee continued price growth once the season ends.
As the football season continues, collectors will be watching closely for the next breakout performance and the next major move in the sports card market.
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