The 2026 NFL Draft is here, and the quarterback position has a very clear No. 1 option at the top. But this year’s class brings in a relatively shallow pool of talent at the QB position.
Let’s rank the top five QBs in this upcoming draft class.
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1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers
There’s a reason Mendoza is the consensus top pick in the entire draft. The Heisman Trophy winner led the Hoosiers to a magical season that ended with a national championship.
Mendoza possesses elite IQ and decision-making while proving to be an accurate passer at any distance. In the 2025 season, he recorded 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions with a 72% completion percentage for Indiana.
While he doesn’t come in with four years of CFP dominance under his belt, this pick is a no-brainer. The rest of the QB picks are up for more debate.
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide
Ty Simpson is likely to be the second QB picked up after recording 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with a 64.5% completion rate for Alabama last season. With incredible instincts and a proven ability to make plays, Simpson more than passes the eye test.
Mediocre stats and physical measurements are two things that may cause teams to hesitate as well as his overall inexperience. His only college season as a full-time starter was with the Crimson Tide in 2025.
Given these factors, he’s likely to be a late-first or early-second round pick.
3. Carson Beck, Miami Hurricanes
Carson Beck’s draft profile is nearly the opposite. He comes in as a heavily experienced passer who spent time as the offensive engine behind both Georgia and Miami in college.
His impeccable timing, along with full-field reading ability, makes him an interesting option, even in a managerial/secondary role. He’s an above-average athlete that’s more than capable of running out for first downs. At 6’5″ he also boasts the size to compete at the professional level.
Beck has his question marks, notably with throwing under pressure and with a UCL injury that has hampered his arm strength. All things considered, he has a strong case as the third best QB in this class.
4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers
At one points, Garrett Nussmeier was viewed as the potential top pick in this class before injuries and a cold slump made him fall down the rankings. As the son of former NFL player and coach Doug Nussmeier, he commands the game with impressive touch and control.
Nussmeier plays like an experienced veteran that knows exactly how a play will unfold. His quick processing ability and poise make his ceiling higher, but mobility is likely his biggest concern.
With a -2.2 rushing yards per attempt career average, he’s prone to tacking sacks and hasn’t proven himself in the rushing game. Past prospects with similar rushing numbers have struggled to find much success in the NFL, which may have contributed to his fall on the draft board.
5. Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions
Drew Allar’s draft stock has been affected in a similar way to Nussmeier’s. He had a limited 2025 season due to injuries as well, but he comes in with impressive physical traits to go along with an elite arm.
With solid intangibles and well-known leadership skills, he possesses all the baseline traits that a front office looks for. Additionally, he’s one of the most mobile QBs in the class, arguably being the best dual-threat passer in the draft.
He’ll need more development to have a long professional career, but he may get picked by a team on Day 3 or even earlier.
Ultimately, this QB class isn’t as talented as others in recent years, but it’s not without its share of a few potential QB1s.
James Parker contributed to this story.
