NFL Draft 2026 - The Year Of The Quarterback?

What makes next year’s class of first-year players particularly enticing is that there could be five or more quarterbacks selected in the top ten picks, unlike this year’s draft in which only two players, Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans, 1st) and Jaxson Dart (New York Giants, 25th) heard their names called in the first round. The excitement isn’t just among scouts and coaches; sportsbooks have already started preparing odds, with fans who enjoy betting with mobile apps eager to wager on which quarterback will be the first off the board. 

*With credit give to Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), Carson Beck (Miami), Nico Iamaleava (UCLA), Taylen Green (Arkansas) and Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), of the ten potential names to be called, these are the five most likely to hear their names called in the top ten* 

1. Arch Manning - Texas Longhorns

Let’s start with the name on everyone’s mind, Arch Manning. Grandson of Archie and nephew to Peyton and Eli, the third-year quarterback is the latest from arguably football’s greatest family. Proving that he isn’t just coasting on his surname as Manning has proven to be equipped with a strong arm, deep understanding of the game and an athletic ability that has NFL scouts drooling, making his arrival into the NFL one of the most talked-about moments since he was in high school. Given that Arch is more athletic than both Peyton and Eli, but has the same understanding of the game and throwing ability, fans might not have to wait until the 2027 NFL Draft for the super sophomore to join the league. With Derek Carr’s surprise retirement, a spot on the New Orleans Saints roster, the same team his grandfather played for, would be a storybook fit for the young ball-slinger. 

2. Garrett Nussmeier - LSU Tigers

They say that good things come to those who wait. After sitting on the bench for three seasons, Garrett Nussmeier finally got a chance to showcase his talents. Another member of a football family, Nussmeier’s father Doug is a former NFL QB and current offensive coordinator for the Saints. He possesses a cannon for an arm and little fear of using it, often threading needles and challenging tight coverage downfield. This combination of talent and ability is complemented by a noticeable swagger that is often backed up by his actions.  Nussmeier’s ability to read defenses and make plays on the fly helps separate him from his positional peers. While he doesn’t have the same historic family name as Manning, Nussmeier’s electrifying game is proving to be just as impressive, with his name already climbing the early mock draft charts, fueled by comparisons to the magic of Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

3. Drew Allar - Penn State Nittany Lions

Standing 6’5”, 240 pounds, Drew Allar possesses the prototypical size and physical framework that NFL front offices and coaching staff crave of a durable, pocket passer who is capable of seeing plays unfold and battling throughout the season. Fresh off leading Penn State to a semifinal’s appearance in the College Football Playoffs, Allar will be able to use this season to improve his stock even more than it was last year. While his game might not feature the same level of dazzling footwork or broken play creativity displayed by others on this list, Allar’s arm strength and accuracy help to make up for it, allowing him to effectively stretch the field and deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy. 

4. Cade Klubnik - Clemson Tigers

Adding 800 more yards, 17 more touchdowns, and throwing 3 fewer interceptions helped Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik bounce back from a challenging sophomore season. Fun fact: Only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, two of the most highly rated quarterbacks entering the 2025 Draft, threw more touchdown passes last season.  Now entering his final year on campus, the 6’2”, 210lb Klubnik provides the Tigers with a big-time dual-threat quarterback with his blend of mobility and pocket presence.  There are already plenty of rumors that Klubnik could be a player that the Los Angeles Rams are targeting with one of their two first-round picks. 

5. LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina Gamecocks

He has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts, not a bad deal for the redshirt sophomore. Should LaNorris Sellers bypass his junior season, there is a good chance that he will be among the top five quarterbacks selected in the 2026 draft thanks to his size, athleticism, and talent. At 6’3”, 245lbs, Sellers still has work to do this coming season, including reading the play while in the pocket and taking care of the ball (7 interceptions and 11 fumbles). Sellers has drawn comparisons to former Philadelphia Eagles great, Donovan McNabb and Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton. Odds are he ends up a mix between the two and carves out a great NFL career.