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Jordan Reid
The 2026 NFL draft is just around the corner, set to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh. It’s time to re-evaluate the quarterback landscape. Who stands out among the top passers available?
Six quarterbacks from our initial Hot Board have dropped off, but we’ve introduced four new names. While the NFL’s early-entry deadline has passed, there’s still uncertainty around the eligibility of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, indicating potential shifts in the class. With all-star games, the combine, and pro days still forthcoming, these rankings are not set in stone.
Let’s delve into the current top 12 quarterbacks for the 2026 class.
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Day 2 picks | Day 3 picks
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 225 pounds
Class: Redshirt junior | Projected range: Round 1
Where he excels: Every season, a quarterback emerges from Day 2-3 discussions to become a first-round prospect (think Jayden Daniels or Cam Ward). This year, Mendoza fits that mold. After transferring to Indiana, he impressed with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, culminating in winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship.
Utilizing isolated routes aligned with run-game tactics has benefited Mendoza, whose comfortable reads often pit single defenders against one another. His distinctive three-quarter throwing motion works harmoniously with the Hoosiers’ passing strategy. With an adjusted completion percentage of 79.2%, he ranked second nationally and excelled in the red zone, posting 27 touchdowns without any picks—three clear of Duke’s Darian Mensah.
Mendoza’s resilience and ability to tackle in-game challenges are hallmark traits. He spearheaded the Hoosiers through a crucial Week 7 win at Oregon, orchestrated an 80-yard, game-clinching drive at Penn State, and triumphed over Ohio State in a tough Big Ten championship match—during which he was momentarily sidelined. He capped his season with a tenacious touchdown run, sealing victory in the College Football National Championship against Miami. His story showcases immense grit and determination, making him the leading contender for the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Where he needs work: Mendoza shows comfort in the pocket but struggles when pressured or forced to maneuver outside his original launch point. He posted a 53.2% completion rate when moving, with many inaccuracies surfacing during scramble situations or when outside the pocket. Under considerable pressure, his completion rate dropped to 50%.
Mendoza has established himself as the premier passer this season, but he needs to adapt to operating from under center, as he played primarily from the shotgun, recording only 3% of his snaps under center. Mastering this technique is vital in the NFL, where it helps keep defenders honest and enhances play-action effectiveness.
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 208 pounds
Class: Redshirt junior | Projected range: Late Round 1-Early Day 2
Where he excels: Following a rocky start against Florida State, Simpson rebounded with stellar play through the middle of his inaugural season as a starter. During an eight-game span featuring matches against four top-16 teams (Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee), he passed for 1,954 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just one interception while connecting on 71.9% of his throws. He demonstrated calmness in the pocket along with slightly above-average arm strength.
Simpson’s mental acuity and football IQ have been evident, as the son of long-time UT-Martin head coach Jason Simpson often altered plays and protections pre-snap. Recognizing defensive setups, he exhibits top-tier pocket mobility and is an agile athlete capable of making plays off-script. Out of his 30 touchdowns this season (28 through the air, two on the ground), seven were accrued while he was outside of the pocket. His intelligence in adjusting to pre-snap alignments is a key asset.
“I wouldn’t draft him until Day 2, but I think he has a chance to be selected in the 20-32 range,” stated an AFC area scout, highlighting the unique demand in this year’s quarterback class.
Where he needs work: Simpson occasionally struggles with recognizing when a play has broken down. He tends to hold onto the ball longer than necessary, often resulting in losses while desperately trying to extend plays that clearly aren’t working. This leads to missed opportunities for simpler options, whether that means checking down, running, or throwing the ball away.
His accuracy lagged towards the end of the season, with an off-target percentage of 11.2% ranking 63rd in the FBS. Concerns about downfield passing persist, as he completed only 37.3% of his passes aimed 20 or more air yards in 2025.
and, his relative inexperience with only 15 career starts raises eyebrows among scouts.
0:58
Why Mel Kiper Jr. has some concern about Ty Simpson
Mel Kiper Jr. weighs whether Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a first-round selection following his draft declaration.
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Redshirt senior | Projected range: Late Day 2
Where he excels: One of college football’s most compelling stories belongs to Chambliss. After four seasons at Division II Ferris State, he made the leap to the SEC. Starting the season as a backup to Austin Simmons, he seized the starting role against Arkansas and never looked back, ensuring the Rebels made it to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. He concluded the year with 3,937 passing yards and 22 touchdowns against just three interceptions, passing for over 300 yards in eight of 13 starts.
Chambliss is an accurate thrower with quick release and arm strength to challenge all levels of the field. His mobility is a key attribute, allowing him to create outside the pocket while serving as a reliable component of the QB-designed run game with 527 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. even with his compact frame, he adeptly dodges contact by sliding before hits.
Where he needs work: because 2025 was his first season at the Division I level, substantial projection remains. At times, he attempted plays that worked seamlessly in Division II but faltered against SEC competition. Chambliss must also work on his patience—seeking explosive plays over reliable short options can hinder his development.
The Ole Miss passing scheme is not particularly translatable to the NFL, largely involving half-field reads and straightforward throws. Chambliss will need to learn to navigate more complex progressions and adjust his reads based on defensive coverages.
The X factor: Currently, Chambliss is petitioning for a sixth year of eligibility. His request for a waiver has been denied, prompting a legal challenge in Mississippi as he seeks to return for the 2026 season. He will remain on the 2026 draft board until this situation resolves.
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Redshirt senior | Projected range: Late Day 2-Early Day 3
Where he excels: Nussmeier entered the season with high expectations after a solid first year as a starter. He showcased flashes of brilliance in 2024 with 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, prompting many evaluators to view him as a top contender in the 2026 QB rankings. Unfortunately, his progress stalled, recording only 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games, while battling injuries, including issues with his knee.
Primarily functioning within the pocket, Nussmeier exhibits fearless anticipation. He accurately throws to specific spots in the intermediate game, adeptly gauging route depths. He’s skilled at adjusting throwing angles to fit passes while navigating the pocket efficiently and swiftly releasing the ball.
Where he needs work: This season, LSU’s strategy heavily emphasized quick-hitter plays, prompting Nussmeier to focus primarily on short-field opportunities. He averaged just 6.4 air yards per target (ranked 130th in the FBS) and encountered challenges due to LSU’s underperforming running game, which ranked 126th in the FBS.
His propensity for risk-taking can sometimes backfire. Evaluators suggest that Nussmeier appears to possess the talent and acumen to remain in the league long-term as a backup, possibly evolving into a spot starter.
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 220 pounds
Class: Sixth-year senior | Projected range: Late Day 2-Early Day 3
Where he excels: Once viewed as a top contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, Beck’s inconsistencies led him to transfer after a troubled senior season at Georgia. Revitalizing his career at Miami, he showcased a rhythmic passing style, accruing 3,813 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
With an improved supporting cast, Beck appeared much more like his previous self. He is a balanced pocket passer focused on accuracy and decisiveness, allowing him to deliver quickly and stay in sync with his receiving targets. His 74.8% adjusted completion rate ranks him eighth among FBS quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, a game-ending interception in the National Championship game against Indiana overshadowed his otherwise strong performances. Many scouts now view Beck as a solid middle-round prospect.
Where he needs work: Beck struggles when faced with early pressure, and it impacts his performance. His off-target percentage while stationary (9.7%) contrasts sharply with his struggles when on the move (21.4%).
He will thrive in situations where he has supporting playmakers, as demonstrated by his low pressure rate (17.1%) during the season. The Miami offensive line provided ample time, averaging 2.9 seconds before he had to throw. The real question remains: can Beck maintain his form when the playing conditions aren’t favorable?
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 235 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Late Day 2-Early Day 3
Where he excels: Allar exhibits prototypical size and arm strength, boasting significant game experience with 35 starts. He improved his completion percentage from 59.9% in 2023 to 66.5% in 2024. With his return, Allar was expected to be among the elite QB candidates, but this did not materialize. A double-overtime home loss to Oregon—culminating in a game-ending interception—was followed by setbacks against UCLA and Northwestern, where he sustained a broken ankle, ending his season prematurely. Before the injury, Allar had accumulated 1,100 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Allar displays above-average capability in the intermediate passing game, unafraid to challenge tight windows while accurately connecting on routes. He efficiently exhausts his progressions and possesses ample arm strength, alongside adequate mobility to navigate the pocket and capitalize on available yardage.
Where he needs work: Unfortunately, Allar’s accuracy declined, reflected by his 12.5% off-target rate that ranked 94th in the FBS. He occasionally puts too much height or depth on throws, making catching difficult for receivers.
“His biggest issue is that while he looks proficient against lower-tier teams, he lacks signature performances against elite opponents,” remarked an AFC assistant general manager.
In a traits-focused league, Allar may entice teams to draft him based on his physical attributes, hoping to refine his footwork for better ball placement. A system emphasizing under-center dropbacks with deeper routes will be ideal for his development.
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 224 pounds
Class: Fifth-year senior | Projected range: Early Day 3
Where he excels: Green immediately earned the starting role at Arkansas after a transfer from Boise State following the 2023 season. He finished with 2,714 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, adding 771 rushing yards (the 12th most among FBS quarterbacks) with two rushing touchdowns. importantly, he recorded at least 50 rushing yards in eight games, showcasing his long strides that pose challenges for defenders. Green also possesses the arm talent necessary to place passes precisely due to his over-the-top throwing motion.
He consistently makes explosive plays with both his arm (14 completions of over 20 air yards) and his legs, making him a probable mid-round target for teams looking to cultivate a raw talent with significant upside.
Where he needs work: Vulnerabilities emerged for Green as the season advanced, particularly notable in his elapsed time to release the ball. Averaging 3.13 seconds before throwing, he ranked 134th out of 138 quarterbacks in the FBS. This indecisiveness often manifests in short-to-intermediate settings.
Green has struggled with pressure, with all of his 27 sacks occurring during genuine pressure situations, resulting in just a 38.6% completion rate under duress.
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Early-Mid Day 3
Where he excels: With four returning starters along the Tigers’ offensive line and his three leading wide receivers back, I believed Klubnik had the best supporting cast nationwide, presenting an excellent chance to build off a successful 2024 campaign. but, he finished the season with only 2,943 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He’s most effective operating from play-action, boasting 10 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 72.7% completion percentage from those scenarios.
Klubnik displays a tendency to fluctuate between hot and cold performances, reminiscent of a streaky shooter. His smooth throwing release enables even distribution among targets in the shorter areas the Tigers frequently utilized. plus, he poses a running threat when forced to escape the pocket.
Where he needs work: Klubnik’s skill set includes many average traits but lacks a standout ability. Aside from a noteworthy Week 6 game against North Carolina (22-of-24, 254 yards, and 4 touchdowns), he hesitated to deliver passes punctually. His timing issues were evident during a close matchup against LSU in the season opener, particularly while navigating route concepts. His anticipation skills require significant improvement as he tends to wait for receivers to find separation before making throws.
and, his mechanics appear to falter under pressure, leading to diminished accuracy. He completed only 48.5% of his attempts when facing genuine pressure. Reflecting mixed opinions entering the season, consensus views now suggest Klubnik as a probable middle-to-late-round prospect. His participation in the Shrine Bowl will prove crucial as he meets with NFL teams, potentially affecting his draft status.
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 220 pounds
Class: Redshirt senior | Projected range: Mid Day 3
Where he excels: Robertson has an effective throwing motion, allowing him to distribute the ball efficiently within Baylor’s high-octane offense. After transferring from Mississippi State, he solidified his position as the starting QB early in the 2024 season, leading an explosive unit across both seasons.
He wrapped up his collegiate career with consecutive 3,000-yard seasons, finishing 2025 with 3,681 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He consistently targets deep, shown by his 26 completions of over 20 air yards, ranking 12th in the FBS. As a swift decision-maker, Robertson adeptly navigates field options and promptly releases the ball to any open receiver.
Where he needs work: Robertson’s accuracy and pocket awareness can suffer when defenses hurry him, affecting his base. He recorded 12 interceptions this season, tying for the fifth-most among FBS quarterbacks, with three games featuring at least two picks. His turnovers stem primarily from underthrown passes and misreads of underneath coverages that led to missed opportunities.
10. Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 233 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Mid Day 3
Where he excels: Continuing the legacy of accomplished North Dakota State quarterbacks, Payton bounced back in 2025 after missing the last eight games of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, concluding the year with 3,188 passing yards, 29 total touchdowns (16 passing, 13 rushing), and just four interceptions.
As a dynamic dual-threat player, Payton combines size with the skill to execute difficult throws while effectively running. He demonstrates poise under pressure, absorbing significant hits yet delivering accurate throws. As an outstanding deep passer, he possesses a strong base, enabling him to make pinpoint throws. When called upon, his running ability shines, maintaining vision and resilience against defenders.
Teams may view him as an athlete, so it’s probable that he’ll explore other positions at the Senior Bowl.
“Prior to his injury, I appreciated his film quite a bit,” stated an AFC scout. “He has the potential to transcend roles, similar to Taysom Hill, with skills beyond just passing.”
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Cole Payton throws a 78-yard touchdown pass against Illinois State
Watch as Cole Payton connects for a thrilling 78-yard touchdown.
Where he needs work: Payton exhibits a rounded throwing motion that lacks crispness, where reliance on his upper body generates power in his throws; his stiffness manifests especially when targeting to his left side. plus, he must become comfortable progressing through secondary options and refining his overall pocket awareness. Tendency to lock onto primary reads further obscures his ability to spot open targets underneath. Lastly, he should leverage his mobility more effectively by utilizing running opportunities when plays break down.
Payton recently suffered a broken thumb during the second-round FCS playoff game, but he is expected to recover in time for practices in Mobile. This will be a situation to monitor.
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Late Day 3-UDFA
Where he excels: After transferring to Illinois from Ole Miss in 2023, Altmyer quickly established himself as a starter. He progressively improved through his tenure, culminating in 2025 with 3,007 passing yards and 22 touchdowns against five interceptions. Altmyer demonstrates the traits of a proficient point guard, with quick ball distribution and a sharp understanding of opposing defenses. His 8.0% off-target percentage ranked eighth lowest in the FBS.
The Illinois offense employs varied personnel sets, allowing Altmyer experience with different pre-snap alignments. He’s adept at operating from both under center and the shotgun, effectively executing play-action reads and managing multiple route levels. When necessary, he can scramble, using his quickness to evade first- and second-level defenders.
Where he needs work: Altmyer’s confidence can sometimes lead him astray, as he may choose risky options over safer plays. His bold approach can result in forced throws into narrow openings.
At the Senior Bowl, Altmyer has an opportunity to distinguish himself from other late-round quarterbacks. Many evaluators have noted that he could be seen as a solid late-round pick with the potential for a lengthy backup career in the NFL.
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 225 pounds
Class: Seventh-year senior | Projected range: Late Day 3-UDFA
Where he excels: A rare seventh-year senior, Fagnano spent four seasons at Maine (2019-22) before transferring to UConn prior to the 2023 season. He experienced a breakout in 2025, finishing with 3,448 passing yards and 28 touchdowns to only one interception—a tipped pass against Air Force. Fagnano is a mechanically sound passer, achieving synergy between his eyes, feet, and throwing motion. He expertly scans the field for full reads, consistently opting for the right throw while maintaining a quick release; his average time to throw ranked among the top 25 in the FBS at 2.56 seconds.
Fagnano’s performance against stronger opponents was commendable, going 2-1 against ACC teams, including a victory over the conference champion, Duke. Led by 14 go-ahead touchdowns, his accomplishments in the passing game marked him as a noteworthy candidate for late-round consideration or as an undrafted free agent.
Where he needs work: With Fagnano turning 25 before the draft, he played in a quick-pass offense, where a significant portion of his attempts (28.8%) came at or behind the line of scrimmage (ranking 38th in the FBS). His arm strength is limited, lacking the velocity that typically excites scouts, and he prefers safer throws over testing defenses in tighter situations.
