As we move past the National Championship and into the “Draft Season” of 2026, the NFL world is obsessed with one position: Quarterback. While the 2025 class gave us stars like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, the 2026 NFL Draft is being defined by a single, towering figure from Bloomington and a deep, if polarizing, pool of talent behind him.
Note: While the “2025 Draft” is in the books (where the Patriots landed their franchise MVP), the upcoming April 2026 Draft features the heroes of the season that just concluded.
The “Mendoza” Tier: The Consensus #1
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6’5″, 225 lbs)
There is no longer a debate. After a 16-0 season, a Heisman Trophy, and a National Championship, Mendoza is the “generational” prospect of this cycle. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the #1 pick, the marriage between Mendoza and his college coach (should Cignetti jump) is the biggest storyline in sports.
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The Skinny: Prototypical size, elite processing, and a “clutch” gene that saw him throw 8 TDs and 0 INTs in the first two rounds of the CFP.
Tier 2: The First Round Contenders
These are the signal-callers fighting to be the second name called in April.
| Rank | Player | School | Scouting Note |
| 2 | Ty Simpson | Alabama | The most talented pure passer in the class. Elite touch and SEC-tested. |
| 3 | Drew Allar | Penn State | A physical “create-a-player” build. Some accuracy concerns, but the ceiling is Josh Allen-esque. |
| 4 | Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss | The “Cinderella” of the draft. A Division II transfer who led Lane Kiffin’s offense to the semifinals. |
| 5 | Nico Iamaleava | UCLA | A high-variance prospect with a rocket arm. Scouts compare his physical profile to Justin Herbert. |
Tier 3: Day 2 Value & Starters
These players may not be Top-10 picks, but they are projected as “Year 1” competitors or elite backups.
6. Carson Beck (Miami): After a rollercoaster career spanning Georgia and Miami, Beck is the most “pro-ready” in terms of pocket navigation. However, interceptions over the middle remain a red flag for scouts.
7. Cade Klubnik (Clemson): A twitchy, athletic passer who finally found consistency in 2025.
8. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Battled injuries this year, but his “gunslinger” mentality will entice a team like the Rams or Saints in the second round.
9. Taylen Green (Arkansas): The best pure athlete at the position. At 6’6″, he is a nightmare in the RPO game.
10. Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): A late riser who posted one of the highest QBRs in the nation.
The Big Board: Top 32 Rankings
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Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
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Ty Simpson (Alabama)
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Drew Allar (Penn State)
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Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)
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Nico Iamaleava (UCLA)
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Carson Beck (Miami)
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Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
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Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
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Taylen Green (Arkansas)
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Sawyer Robertson (Baylor)
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John Mateer (Oklahoma)
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Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)
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Miller Moss (Louisville)
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Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
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Jalon Daniels (Kansas)
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Behren Morton (Texas Tech)
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Joe Fagnano (UConn)
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Luke Altmyer (Illinois)
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Haynes King (Georgia Tech)
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Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers)
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Blake Shapen (Mississippi State)
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Maverick McIvor (Western Kentucky)
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Tommy Castellanos (Florida State)
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Jacob Clark (Missouri State)
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Jake Retzlaff (Tulane)
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Jack Strand (MSU Moorhead – Small School Sleeper)
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Kaidon Salter (Colorado)
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Mark Gronowski (Iowa)
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Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech)
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Donovan Smith (Houston)
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Brady Cook (Missouri)
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Preston Stone (SMU)
The “Not Available” List
Two names you won’t see on the clock this April despite their massive talent:
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Arch Manning (Texas): Despite the #1 overall hype, Arch has officially announced he is returning to Austin for his 2026 junior season. He is the presumptive #1 pick for 2027.
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Dante Moore (Oregon): After leading the Ducks to the Peach Bowl, Moore has reportedly decided to stay in school to chase a national title in 2026.
