SANTA CLARA, CA — With the 2026 NFL Draft roughly three months away, and the decision of Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore to return back to Eugene, the top ten QB1 prospects have now be changed and altered.
Per the below, here are my top ten quarterbacks in this upcoming draft class.
Fernando Mendoza: Indiana (1st): Easy. No questions asked. A legit blue chip franchise changing QB1. Any team that wants him would have to send a king’s ransom to Las Vegas for him!
Ty Simpson: Alabama (2nd): This one is tough. Yes, Simspson showed some flashes of real talent and potential early in the season. While he didn’t finish in such a spectacular manner, a team desperate for a QB will reach for him.
Trinidad Chambliss: Ole Miss (3rd): An enticing and talented dual-threat QB, who can really add some juice to a franchise in desperate need of it. He could go as late as the third, and as high as a late first round, if a team falls in love with him.
Drew Allar: Penn State (3rd): Sad and tragic. He has all the requisite attributes physically at 6’5, mobility and a rocket arm. However, his decision making in games—such as his interception vs. Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl—are sure to raise some concerns, and he a possible need flag for scouts and front office personnel.
Garrett Nussmeier: LSU (4th): This one is a little hot and cold. There are moments and plays in which Nemussmeier looks like a first round talent back in 2024, but due to some injuries and inconsistent play, Nussmeier tends to be aggressive at times with a tendency for turnovers.
A bit of a Brett Favre-like gunslinger, Nussmeier has high-level arm talent and great anticipation. But also at 6’1 and 200-pounds, there are some concerns about his slight frame, which could make him a backup/high-level starter with upside.
Carson Beck: Miami (4th): Another hot/cold QB prospect. Despite being a two-time national champion backing up Stetson Bennett at Georgia, Carson Beconos the ultimate football tease.
Tall, athletic with a NFL-level arm. There are numerous plays over the years at Georgia, and recently in the CFP title run by the Miami Hurricanes, where his gambling style of play can both tantalize and frustrate scouts, teammates and fans.
At 6’4 and 220 pounds, Beck is the perfect NFL QB1 prototype, but his tendencies to make risky plays, such as the title game INT vs. Indiana, will make many scratch their heads.
Diego Pavia: Vanderbilt (5th): Aside from his now much maligned Heisman Trophy comments, and being only 5’10 and 207 pounds, Pavia has a lot of things going against him.
More than likely, he will need to sit a couple of years behind an established starter to grasp the speed of the NFL game. Additionally, he will need to show that he can make NFL-level throws to help overcome his vertical shortcomings under center.
Cade Klubnik: Clemson (6th): After starting off with one of the most promising prospects in the draft, thanks to some strong performances in the 2024-25 season and CFP Playoffs in throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions, Klubnik regressed significantly this past season in passing for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. If there is any QB who needs to have a strong NFL combine, it is the former Austin, Texas area star.
Luke Altmyer: Illinois (6th): After having a strong season in Champaign for the Fighting Illini in passing for 2,811 yards and 21 touchdowns, the 6’2, 205-pounder pit of Illinois projects as a “bridge” QB at the next level due to his slight frame. A team that operates either a West Coast style of offense or uses a lot of RPO concepts would be the best fit.
Haynes King: Georgia Tech (7th): Seen as a Taysom Hill style of player thanks to his ability to run and pass, King has been called a lesser version of Tim Tebow thanks to his ability to be physical as a dual-threat runner—clocked at 4.45 in a 40-yard dash—and passer, as he passed for 2,951 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions, and rushing for 953 yards and 15 touchdowns on 185 carries for Georgia Tech.
Depending on what team selects him, King could be used in various third and fourth down conversations and in the red zone on select packages.
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