Ten Quarterback Prospects To Watch For In The 2026 NFL Draft

These ten quarterbacks are ones to watch for in the 2026 NFL Draft.

These ten quarterbacks are ones to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arizona State Quarterback Sam Leavitt

Leavitt, who transferred from Michigan State after a true freshman season there in 2023, was sensational for Big 12 Champions Arizona State. When you think Sam Leavitt, think Bo Nix. He’s a guy that took outstanding care of the ball, is improving in his accuracy, and is phenomenal making plays outside of the pocket as well as in the designed run game. Maybe he is more of a 2027 prospect, but with a big year, Leavitt could go in the first round.

Penn State Quarterback Drew Allar

Had Allar, who will be a true senior next year, entered the 2026 NFL Draft, he would’ve went in the top ten due to his high-level traits and penchant for taking care of the football. The strong-armed quarterback has a protoypical build at 6’5, 245lb, and a cannon for an arm with the ability to throw from different angles. His footwork needs to continue to improve, but he’s a threat to be the first-overall pick.

Clemson Quarterback Cade Klubnik

Few thought Klubnik would be thought of as a bona fide first-round pick after a mediocre first year as a starter in 2023. But, he had a sensational 2024, and was mighty impressive down the strech. The arm strength is just so-so, but he showed real progression in every other facet in 2024. Klubnik features solid mobility, good accuracy, and great intangibles. I think the consensus on Klubnik is a bit high considering his physical limitations, but he could go in the first round.

LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier

Nussmeier, the son of longtime pro and college coach and former NFL quarterback Doug, has the arm talent and the pocket presence that scouts crave. But, he has to cut down on the turnovers. If he does that, he will be a first round pick.

South Carolina Quarterback LaNorris Sellers

Sellers was fantastic as a redshirt freshman in 2024 and carried the South Carolina offense. His game needs some polish still, but scouts love his huge frame, big arm, mobility, and toughness in the pocket. If he takes a step forward once again in 2025, he will be a top ten pick as NFL teams won’t be able to resist his traits.

Baylor Quarterback Sawyer Robertson

The Mississippi State transfer put some fantastic film on tape last year at Baylor. Robertson’s arm talent is just so-so. But, he makes up for it with great accuracy, timing, poise, and a quick release to run a successful West Coast passing attack. He probably won’t be a contender to be a first round pick.

UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava

Iamaleava has been in the news for all of the wrong reasons lately, having been the center of a transfer saga involving his NIL deal at Tennessee that ultimately ended with Tennessee severing ties with him. His first year as a starter as a redshirt freshman in 2024 was not all that impressive minus his work against the non-conference cupcakes. But, if you’re looking for high-end traits, Nico has all of them. NFL teams are going to dock him for his character, but someone will draft him because of his tantalizing raw skillset.

Indiana Quarterback Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza transferred from Cal to Indiana this offseason. The more NFL scouts dig into his film from 2024, the more they see someone who, if he continues to improve, could sneak into the first round next year. Mendoza has protoypical size, a solid arm, and completed nearly 70% of his passes last year. He’s going to see a huge jump in competition going from the lowly ACC to the Big Ten with a lot of good defenses on the schedule. But, so far, scouts like what they see.

Miami Quarterback Carson Beck

A year ago, some thought that Carson Beck had a great chance to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But, his season at Georgia was good, not great, and he tore his UCL in the SEC Championship Game, which required Tommy John Surgery. Now, he’s a Miami Hurricane. Beck has a solid all-around game, but it became clear to many that he probably isn’t a franchise quarterback type of prospect. Still, he is going to be drafted, probably in the first few rounds.

Texas Quarterback Arch Manning

There’s no way that Arch Manning could be left off of a list like this. There’s a lot of speculation that he will return for 2026 to play a fourth season like his grandfather Archie and his uncles Peyton and Eli. But, if he doesn’t come back, he is the favorite to go first overall. There isn’t a lot of film on Arch as he’s sat behind Quinn Ewers. But what we have seen has been very good. He’s been productive, has taken care of the football, and has all the traits, even the mobility that teams crave now. Whenever he enters the draft, he’s likely to be the first-overall pick.