Top 10 Quarterback Prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft
Last Updated: June 01, 2026 | Source: Consensus rankings from 9 outletsThe 2026 quarterback class is led by Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 prospects at the position, with scouting reports, measurables, and projected draft range.
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1. Fernando Mendoza — Indiana
Consensus Rank: #2 overall | Projection: Top 15 pick | Measurables: 6-4, 236.0 lbs, 4.75s 40, 31" armsFernando Mendoza is one of the safest quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender who has transformed from a Cal castoff into a potential number one overall pick at Indiana. At 6'5", 225 pounds, Mendoza brings a pro-ready frame with efficient mechanics and high-level touch that projects immediately to the NFL. After transferring from California where he played behind a brutal offensive line for three years, Mendoza joined Curt Cignetti's program at Indiana and emerged as one of college football's most efficient passers.
Strengths: Great size at 6'5" 225 lbs with NFL-caliber arm and pro-ready frame ... Quick decision-maker who processes at NFL speed ... Knows where to miss when throwing into tight windows Concerns: Not an evasive athlete who can extend plays with legs ... Propensity to drift in pocket and create his own pressure (26 charged pressures in 2024) NFL Comparison: Carson Palmer with ideal frame and NFL arm Full scouting report for Fernando Mendoza →---
2. Ty Simpson — Alabama
Consensus Rank: #37 overall | Projection: Second round | Measurables: 6-1, 211.0 lbs, 30" armsTy Simpson is Alabama's first-year starting quarterback who has quickly emerged as one of the biggest risers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. At 6'2", 208 pounds, Simpson lacks prototype size but compensates with elite poise, quick processing, and advanced playmaking instincts. Through 12 games, he has led the Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record, completing 65.
Strengths: Elite poise and mental processing for first-year starter ... Quick processor who reads entire field and works progressions ... Highly accurate with great touch layering passes over defenders Concerns: Historic deep-ball struggles - dead last among 21 first-round QBs over 7 draft classes ... Lacks prototype size at 6'2" 208 lbs NFL Comparison: Brock Purdy with more twitch - efficient rhythm passer with elite pocket instincts and late-down poise Full scouting report for Ty Simpson →---
3. Garrett Nussmeier — LSU
Consensus Rank: #80 overall | Projection: Day 2 | Measurables: 6-2, 203.0 lbs, 30" armsGarrett Nussmeier is one of the best raw processors in the 2026 NFL Draft class-a timing and rhythm quarterback who delivers highly catchable passes at all three levels of the field. At 6'0", 205 pounds, the LSU signal-caller entered the program as a 4-star recruit in 2021 and waited his turn behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels before seizing control of the offense in 2024 with 4,000+ passing yards and 29 touchdowns leading LSU to a 9-4 record and Texas Bowl victory. Like a true coach's son, Nussmeier uses checks at the line to clear up defensive looks and get his offense in favorable positions.
Strengths: Elite processor both pre-snap and post-snap ... Coach's son who uses checks to get offense in favorable positions ... Polished tight throwing motion with clean release Concerns: Above-average arm strength at best-not elite ... Can't drive ball into tight windows against multiple defenders NFL Comparison: Ceiling: Jared Goff Full scouting report for Garrett Nussmeier →---
4. Drew Allar — Penn State
Consensus Rank: #110 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-5, 228.0 lbs, 4.90s 40, 32" armsThe prototype-built signal caller from Medina, Ohio arrived at Penn State as one of the nation's most coveted recruits, a five-star quarterback in the 2022 class, and his development has validated the hype. After setting Medina County records with over 9,000 passing yards and 98 touchdowns in high school - where he dominated his senior year by throwing for 4,444 yards and 48 touchdowns while also showing dual-threat mobility with 406 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, earning Ohio Mr. Football honors - Allar stepped into a backup role to Sean Clifford as a true freshman in 2022 before seizing the starting job in 2023.
Strengths: Prototypical NFL frame with sturdy build to shake off defenders - plays with physical presence that makes him nearly impossible to bring down with arm tackles at 6-5, 240 pounds ... Elite arm talent allows him to drive the ball to all levels of the field regardless of platform - can generate tremendous velocity with minimal windup and throw from multiple arm slots ... Shows impressive poise under pressure, keeping eyes downfield while navigating muddy pockets with subtle movements Concerns: Mechanics can break down under duress leading to sporadic accuracy - particularly visible on intermediate throws where precision is critical ... Still developing consistency with timing throws - occasionally late triggering to open receivers allowing coverage to recover NFL Comparison: Josh Allen (Wyoming) Full scouting report for Drew Allar →---
5. Carson Beck — Miami (FL)
Consensus Rank: #124 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-4, 233.0 lbs, 30" armsCarson Beck entered the 2024 college football season as the presumptive No. 1 quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft after leading Georgia to an 11-3 record and the College Football Playoff. While having a successful season, his performance through NFL eyes wasn't as sharp as his prior time with the Bulldogs.
Strengths: Poise when pocket collapses to make throws ... Proven leadership in big games and ability to battle through adversity ... Can make progressions through receiving options with strong understanding of defensive coverages Concerns: Streaky thrower who can experience periods where accuracy, mechanics, and ability to read defenses decline ... UCL surgery on throwing elbow raises injury concerns and durability questions NFL Comparison: Bo Nix, Hendon Hooker Full scouting report for Carson Beck →---
6. Cole Payton — North Dakota State
Consensus Rank: #130 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-2, 232.0 lbs, 4.56s 40, 31" armsCole Payton is a tough strong athletic dual-threat quarterback from North Dakota State who carries phenomenal developmental building blocks despite limited starting experience. The lefty signal-caller waited behind Trey Lance and Cam Miller before finally becoming the full-time starter in 2025 completing 72 percent of his passes for 2719 yards with 16 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions while adding 771 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground across 13 games. At 6-3 and 233 pounds Payton has an exceptional frame for a quarterback and possesses high-end arm talent with the ability to generate elite velocity and drive the football to all areas of the field.
Strengths: Exceptional frame at 6-3 233 with elite arm talent and velocity ... Tight compact quick throwing motion that is highly repeatable ... Flashes rare high-level ball placement on downfield throws and tight windows Concerns: Limited starting experience with only 321 career dropbacks entering the NFL ... Awkward arm-dominant throwing motion with inconsistent lower-body mechanics NFL Comparison: Carson Wentz Full scouting report for Cole Payton →---
7. Taylen Green — Arkansas
Consensus Rank: #157 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-5, 227.0 lbs, 4.36s 40, 34" armsTaylen Green is the most physically gifted quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, possessing a freakish combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism that makes him a one-of-one prospect. The Lewisville, Texas native began his career at Boise State, winning Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2022 and Conference Championship MVP in 2023 before transferring to Arkansas for his final two seasons. At 6'6", 235 pounds, Green fits the current archetype of game-changing dual-threat quarterbacks in today's NFL-he can throw well enough to win while having the athleticism to break defenses' hearts on key third and fourth downs.
Strengths: Most physically gifted QB in 2026 class ... 6'6" 235 lb freakish frame with rare fluidity ... Elite arm strength-rocket arm Concerns: Hero-ball mentality leads to risky throws ... Inconsistent accuracy at all levels NFL Comparison: Cam Newton (physical tools and running ability) Full scouting report for Taylen Green →---
8. Sawyer Robertson — Baylor
Consensus Rank: #178 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-3, 216.0 lbs, 4.64s 40, 32" armsRobertson is a versatile athlete with good speed and developing skills at multiple positions. His athleticism and motor make him effective in various roles. Shows good instincts and the ability to make plays when opportunities arise.
Strengths: Good speed ... athleticism ... versatility Concerns: Position unclear ... needs to define role Full scouting report for Sawyer Robertson →---
9. Cade Klubnik — Clemson
Consensus Rank: #180 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-2, 207.0 lbs, 31" armsCade Klubnik entered Clemson as a five-star recruit from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, and spent his true freshman campaign as the Tigers' backup quarterback before replacing DJ Uiagalelei in the 2022 ACC Championship Game and leading Clemson to a blowout victory over Drake Maye-led North Carolina. That performance sent Uiagalelei to the transfer portal and handed Klubnik the reins for 2023. His sophomore season underwhelmed at 9-4, snapping Clemson's streak of 12 straight double-digit win seasons and raising questions about whether he could lead the program back to championship contention.
Strengths: Excellent athlete with quick hands and feet who excels in RPO game with clear field vision and one-motion ball delivery ... Elite touch thrower who anticipates well and throws soft, catchable ball - particularly excels on fades to slot and outside receivers ... Mobility allows offense to move pocket on rollouts with ability to deliver accurately moving right or left Concerns: Severely undersized at 204-210 pounds, looks flimsy in pocket and goes down too easily when contacted by pass rushers ... Lacks lower-body strength to shrug off defenders and struggles to consistently find open throwing lanes when sliding inside pocket NFL Comparison: Ryan Tannehill (smaller version) - both very athletic with ideal quickness and ability to create plays, throw with touch and timing, excel on loft passes downfield Full scouting report for Cade Klubnik →---
10. Luke Altmyer — Illinois
Consensus Rank: #214 overall | Projection: Day 3 | Measurables: 6-1, 210.0 lbs, 4.72s 40, 29" armsLuke Altmyer is a late-round quarterback prospect who transferred to Illinois from Ole Miss in 2023 and steadily improved each season under center for the Illini. He projects as a cerebral point-guard style passer who processes defenses quickly and gets the ball out on time, recording the eighth-lowest off-target percentage in the FBS at 8. 0% in 2025. Altmyer is a true dual-look quarterback capable of operating from under center or out of the shotgun, and he shows comfort working off play-action and reading out levels concepts against varied personnel groupings.
Strengths: Quick-release processing style that identifies defensive breakdowns pre- and post-snap ... Elite accuracy with 8.0% off-target percentage ranking eighth in FBS in 2025 ... Functional dual-threat capability under center, shotgun, and off play-action Concerns: Daredevil mentality causes him to force throws into tight windows rather than taking safe options ... Limited arm strength and below-average measurables cap his ceiling as an NFL starter NFL Comparison: Chad Henne Full scouting report for Luke Altmyer →---