Top 5 quarterbacks in the ranking are: 1) Fernando Mendoza – Indiana; 2) Ty Simpson – Alabama; 3) Garrett Nussmeier – LSU; 4) Carson Beck – Miami; 5) Cole Payton – North Dakota State. Each name comes from programs spanning power conferences and the FCS, illustrating a wide range of backgrounds entering the draft landscape.
Next five on the list are: 6) Taylen Green – Arkansas; 7) Sawyer Robertson – Baylor; 8) Cade Klubnik – Clemson; 9) Jalon Daniels – Kansas; 10) Athan Kaliakmanis – Rutgers. The group features a mix of high-profile programs and standout performers from smaller schools, highlighting diverse paths to potential NFL opportunities.
Honorable mentions in the overall discussion include Joey Aguilar (Tennessee), Joe Fagnano (UConn), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Luke Altmyer (Illinois). These names are noted for consideration beyond the Top 10, reflecting the broader landscape of quarterback prospects for 2026.
The ranking reflects a blend of development routes, conference exposure, and production at the college level, underscoring the volatility and upside typical of quarterback evaluations. As teams prepare for the draft, these prospects provide a reference point for potential early-round fits and long-term upside.
While the field will continue to evolve with pre-draft testing, film study, and interviews, this Top 10 offers a concise snapshot of the quarterback landscape entering the 2026 NFL Draft season. NFL teams will weigh these prospects against their needs, schemes, and long-term plans as the selection process approaches.
