2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings

by Zak Drapeau

Sportz Nation - 3/10/2026

1. Fernando Mendoza

6'5" - 236 lbs.

Indiana

Big Board Rank - 7

Pro Comparison: Trevor Lawrence

Mendoza's stock may have risen with his National Championship performance but I'm still not sold on him as a #1 prospect even though he'll go #1 overall.

Mendoza is by far the best of a bad QB class and has a lot of what you're looking for in a Franchise QB. Mendoza has the size, the accuracy, a good not great arm, the ability to run and great leadership... so what's wrong with him?

His poise in the pocket is my biggest question will be his pocket presence. After 2 okay years in California with a bad O-line it's no wonder he became elite in Indiana behind an elite O-line. Mendoza can flat-out ball, but if he bails on the pocket every time the Vegas O-line doesn't get the job done he will struggle early in his career.

2. Ty Simpson

6'1" - 211 pounds

Alabama

Big Board Rank - 48

Pro Comparison: J.J. McCarthy

Simpson had some amazing flashes in the 2025 season but he has a long way to go to prove he can be a full-time NFL starter. With perhaps the biggest boom-bust potential in the entire class, Simpson showed an elite arm with good accuracy.

During Alabama's win streak in the middle of the season, Simpson was throwing dimes all over the field and had considerate claims for the Heisman. Unfortunately for his stock, we saw his play come down as soon as the Crimson Tide faced better defense.

With Simpson only having started 15 games in his career, he is still very raw and with more tutelage from NFL coaching could become better at reding defenses and when and when not to go for broke.

3. Drew Allar

6'5" - 228 pounds

Penn State

Big Board Rank - 71

Pro Comparison: Jordan Love

Allar is still recovering from a Torn ACL in October but when he's back to full health he is the best chance for a "Sam Darnold" in this class. As in he could be the guy that takes 4 or 5 years to develop but becomes a force down the road.

At 6'5" and 228 pounds with a cannon of an arm, Allar's high-end potential is legit Roethlisberger. His 2nd year as a starter was cut short this season but when he was on the field it was clear he still has work to do.

It takes too long for Drew to his 2nd and 3rd reads and he isn't as technical pre-snap as I'd like. Allar's best place is on the bench for 2 or 3 seasons similar to Jordan Love's path to the league but with even more potential than the Packer.

4. Garrett Nussmeier

6'2" - 202 pounds

LSU

Big Board Rank - 76

Pro Comparison: Tua Tagovailoa

Nuss was supposed to be the top Quarterback in this class after returning to LSU for his Senior season. Unfortunately after a disappointing year for the school in general, Nussmeier's low-ceiling was put in the limelight.

At just 6'1" and 202 pounds and without an exceptional arm, Nussmeier will have to completely rely on his very good Football IQ, his accuracy when in a clean pocket and hopefully go to an NFL team with a strong receiving core. Nussmeier could excel in the NFL in the right system but it's more likely he becomes a reliable backup Quarterback who bounces around on teams for a long career.

5. Carson Beck

6'5" - 233 pounds

Miami

Big Board Rank - 93

Pro Comparison: Davis Mills

Beck has a lot of highs but about just as many lows. A veteran starter of 54 college games where he had a 37-6 record between two schools. The biggest problem is, 4 of Beck's 6 losses came with a game-losing interception in his last drive.

Beck is cerebral, smart, motivated and an overall leader in the locker room. He has elite size at 6'5" and 233 pounds and better than average mobility for that size. Unfortunately for Beck his clutch factor is poor and even though he was a career 70% thrower, his interceptions are costly and occur too often. Beck has more upside than some others above him and does have starting potential with a decent ceiling, but it's also just as likely that he starts a game or two and throws 3 picks then never sees the field again.

6. Taylen Green

6'6" - 227 pounds

Arkansas

Big Board Rank - 103

Pro Comparison: Tyler Huntley

Taylen Green is a running Quarterback without a great arm but thankfully for him, BOY can he run. Setting the Combine on fire with high marks in almost every category, Green showed that he was the best athlete of his class while standing at 6'6" and 227 pounds.

Starter of 51 games over the last 4 years, Green has seen a lot of defenses and ran over most of them but still hasn't become the passer he needs to be. Still only 23 years old he has plenty of time to learn and if drafted to an RPO-friendly team could serve as an athletic backup or even carry his team for a few games in special circumstances.

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-Z.D.