A second ESPN poll of 25 NFL scouts and executives revealed how swiftly the college football landscape can change, providing vastly different results in regards to the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza received the most first place votes with 13, followed by Oregon’s Dante Moore with six and Alabama’s Ty Simpson with three. In the first poll six weeks ago, none of these quarterbacks received a single vote.
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South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers received the most votes in that poll, but Sellers’ play has seen a decline. While Mendoza has been voted as the top QB in the newest poll, he has yet to separate himself as the clear-cut favorite.
Regardless, scouts have high praise for the 22-year old.
“He’s decisive, and he sees everything well,” one scout said. “He’s got accuracy down the field and is very tough in the pocket.”
“He has ‘wow’ throws and playmaking passer ability,” another scout told ESPN. “He can anticipate post-snap.”
Mendoza and Moore however, have both made major leaps this season and continue to improve their play. While this year’s upcoming draft class isn’t spectacular, all three of these players could hear their name called early in the first round.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
