The 2026 quarterback class has one gem in Fernando Mendoza, who won both the Heisman Trophy and national championship. The rest of the group looks weak.
There may not be another franchise quarterback in this class.
Mendoza is expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1. After that, nobody knows when the next quarterback will be selected.
This class looks poor compared to what’s coming in 2027 with Arch Manning, Dante Moore and others.
Ranking the 10 best quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
Mendoza has everything you want in a pocket passer for the Raiders. He’s got the arm, accuracy and leadership to be a franchise quarterback. He also brings some athleticism and plays his best in clutch moments.
The Raiders are coached by Klint Kubiak and part-owned by Tom Brady.
Draft projection: Early first round
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
Simpson is the best of the rest. His delivery is consistent, which leads to solid short-to-intermediate accuracy.
A team will need patience with his arm strength and size development. But he has the tools and winning background from Alabama.
Draft projection: Late first round to mid second round
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
Nussmeier is more of a pocket passer than Mendoza or Simpson. He stands tough in the pocket and gets rid of the ball quickly or extends plays with his toughness.
He’s accurate and football smart. His father is Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
Draft projection: Third to fourth round
4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
Klubnik would benefit from the right system, similar to Simpson and Nussmeier. He’d work well in a West Coast offense with his short-to-intermediate accuracy.
Draft projection: Third to fourth round
5. Drew Allar, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)
Allar has ideal size and a big arm. He looks like an NFL pocket passer.
He needs to become more accurate and consistent with his downfield throws.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
6. Carson Beck, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)
Beck looks like an NFL pocket passer with his strong arm and experience. He needs to fix his mechanics and footwork to become more accurate. His decision-making also needs work.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
7. Luke Altmeyer, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)
Altmeyer runs well and throws well, but nothing stands out about his game. He’s confident making all the throws and has good experience.
He projects as a long-term backup at best.
Draft projection: Sixth to seventh round
8. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds)
Robertson is an intriguing late-round pick because of his leadership and athleticism. He has good size for a passer.
He’s polished making all the throws but his arm strength limits him to backup duty.
Draft projection: Sixth to seventh round
9. Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds)
Green ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the Combine. He’s still developing as a downfield passer but has dynamic qualities.
His running ability makes him worth a late pick.
Draft projection: Seventh round
10. Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds)
Daniels has improved his footwork and mechanics through college coaching. He does everything well as a passer and fits multiple systems.
That makes him an interesting developmental backup.
Draft projection: Seventh round
