The Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft
Credit Hail Mary Sports

Contrary to belief, the NFL Draft season never ends. In a quarterback class heralded for its stacked talent group, one must wonder if it is truly this talented or just another overhyped group. In short, the truth is closer to the consensus than one would believe; however, some big-name prospects will not make this list.

Note one thing: these quarterbacks are graded solely in all-22 coaching film. This is to ensure the highest quality of analysis. And, no, there is no media fluff: these are researched, honest opinions. Let’s dive in!

Quarterback 10: Noah Fifita, Arizona, 5’10 188 lbs

Credit: KSL News

Fifita is quite the anomaly.

He is far from a prototypical NFL Quarterback. This will certainly cause problems with his draft stock, but height is not everything.

The Arizona product has a lively arm that is precise and has amazing athleticism. Fifita’s placement only waivers when he tries to step too much into the throw. Honestly, there is no reason for him to do that anyway, as his ball velocity is more than adequate.

Time will tell if the height concern rules him out for all NFL teams, but the rest of Fifita’s profile is very intriguing.

Quarterback 9: Josh Hoover, TCU, 6’2 200 lbs

Credit: TCU Athletics

It is crazy that an SMU alumnus is putting a TCU player on a top ten, but you only live once.

Hoover has one of the best processors in the class. If he learns how to throw the ball earlier (especially with anticipation), then he could skyrocket up this list.

Combined with a strong arm and solid mobility, it is hard to see Hoover slip out of the first three rounds. Improving his mechanics to increase his accuracy and precision would be icing on the cake.

Quarterback 8: Carson Beck, Miami, 6’4 220 lbs

Credit: CBS

Beck has had a rollercoaster year.

From being the consensus first quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class to having to transfer to Miami, life has been eventful for the new Hurricane.

Beck has a prototypical build and a solid foundation for arm strength and mobility. His rare ability to go through progressions and throw into tight windows adds more value. The inconsistency and questions off the field are the biggest red flags.

Becks’s ex-girlfriend was recorded saying no one likes the new leader at Miami. Of course, this could be fabricated, but it is still worth noting. Time will tell.

Quarterback 7: John Mateer, Oklahoma, 6’1 219 lbs

Credit: The Oklahoman

Mateer is the pinnacle of high ceiling.

The former Washington State quarterback continually flashed jaw-dropping plays both with his arm and his legs.

Inconsistencies began popping up with his processor and timing. The poor offensive line play did not alleviate any issues, either. Very few reps allowed enough time for Mateer to go through progressions.

Hopefully, Oklahoma will provide a much higher-floor talent level to let the star quarterback display his skills.

Quarterback 6: Aidan Chiles, Michigan State, 6’3 217 lbs

Credit: MSU Athletics

Chiles is a fun prospect.

He has a strong arm with high-end mobility and elite pocket awareness. Unlike many prospects in this class, Chiles also gets the ball out on time rather than extending plays unnecessarily or holding onto the ball for too long.

His issues come with precision and processing. Michigan State has a pro-style offense, so it is less “QB-friendly” than some other systems. That is a good thing for Chiles’ ascension to the NFL.

Fixing some mechanical errors and continuing to grow as a processor could vault Chiles into the first round.

Quarterback 5: Cade Klubnik, Clemson, 6’2 210 lbs

Credit: ABC Columbia

Klubnik is the definition of high floor.

The Clemson star has taken major leaps each year. From a solid arm to a reliable processor to good mobility, it is hard to find issues in Klubnik’s game.

His timing and playmaking ability could improve, to be fair. Even if they only do a slight amount, it is safe to say the Clemson product will be in the conversation for the best quarterback in the class.

Quarterback 4: Drew Allar, Penn State, 6’5 235 lbs

Credit: PennLive.com

Allar is both intriguing and worrisome.

The Penn State leader has an incredible build and arm. Few come close to matching the physical profile Allar has as a thrower. Precision has been a chronic issue for him, though. Moving targets still pose a major headache to hit in stride.

That being said, Allar has made noticeable progress in his mechanics yearly since high school, and his precision has taken major steps with it. The trend is solely upwards, but the floor is concerning.

Quarterback 3: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, 6’5 225 lbs

Credit: IU Athletics

Mendoza is unbelievably fun to watch.

From a strong arm to plus mobility and a knack for making good decisions when the play breaks down, it is hard not to like the Indiana transfer. Cal simply did not maximize their leader. From Sorsby to Rourke to Mendoza, Indiana has a knack for quarterback talent.

It is safe to say the sky is the limit for a major underdog in the Big 10.  

Quarterback 2: Arch Manning, Texas, 6’4 225 lbs

Credit: The Playoffs

Manning will most likely come out in 2027, but it would be a crime not to evaluate him.

The Texas product displayed immense growth over two starts this year. His athletic profile and big-play potential scream top-five pick. Add the name brand factor, and it is easy to see why Manning should be a number-one pick.

It is crucial to note that Arch is developing and far from polished. His decision-making could be forced at times, and that will fade as experience teaches him the benefits of progressions.

Of all quarterbacks in the class, Manning might be the best with anticipatory throws. Even on simple throws like hitches, the Texas star flashes his intuition with perfectly placed passes before the wide receiver ever cuts.

Manning is far from just a name. He is a high-end quarterback deserving of the hype. 

Quarterback 1: LaNorris Sellers, 6’3 242 lbs

Credit: South Carolina Gamecocks

LaNorris Sellers is Superman.

An easy comparison for the South Carolina star is Cam Newton. The elite athletic profile at such a large frame with a lively arm is hard to ignore.

Combine that with his improving processor and elite playmaking ability, and it is hard to understand why Sellers is not getting more first-overall hype.

Throw timing and weening the arm arrogance are the primary areas for improvement. That comes with experience. Buy now on this one-of-a-kind prospect that could become the face of the league. 

Key names who did not make the list

Credit: Yahoo Sports

Enough people will ask about why some names are not on this list, so here are some quick reasons why.

Garrett Nussmeier has some awesome throws, but his 6’2 200 lb frame combined with inconsistent decision making and placement provides a risky floor to bet on. He easily could be in the first round with some more polish, though.

Sam Leavitt is extremely fun. He plays with no concept of a real football game, though. From taking 10+ yard drops to scrambling everywhere to play hero ball, it feels like Leavitt is playing NCAA 25 more than real college football. There is a world in which he could polish himself into a day-two pick.

Nico Iamaleava has a great arm with great mobility. His processor is extremely weak, given the poorly translatable offense at Tennessee. UCLA could improve that category and vault the star back into contention. 2027 feels more realistic, though. 

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