2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Fernando Mendoza emerges as the premier gunslinger

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class looks far stronger than the 2025 group, which only produced three top-90 picks and just one in the first 24 selections. This year’s class could deliver as many as five first-rounders, with quality depth throughout. Arch Manning is not included here since it appears he will return to Texas for another season.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

I may be in the minority, but I have Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza ranked as the top quarterback in this class. His film shows multiple NFL-caliber traits that point to franchise potential. At 6’5” and 225 pounds, Mendoza has prototypical size and moves well for his frame. Accuracy is his calling card, as he led the FBS last year with just 5.1 percent of his passes considered off-target. On top of that, he has one of the strongest arms in the class and can make every throw required in an NFL offense. The one concern is that he sometimes gets jittery in the pocket and shows “happy feet” when under pressure.

2. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, widely projected as the top quarterback in 2026, also carries a high first-round grade for 2026. His deep ball is his strength, with 28 big-time throws last season that ranked fifth nationally according to Pro Football Focus. Klubnik is also the most technically sound quarterback in the class, according to BQA. His main weakness is decision-making, as he occasionally forces throws into tight coverage instead of taking safer options.

3. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

Another quarterback I am higher on than most heading into the season is Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, who carries a late first-round grade. The 2025 Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year is a true dual threat who can hurt defenses with both his arm and legs. Last season he was the only Power Four quarterback to earn 80.0-plus grades as both a passer and a runner according to Pro Football Focus. Leavitt is also a proven playmaker, leading the Big 12 with eight completions of 50 yards or more. The area he needs to refine is timing, as he too often waits for routes to uncover rather than throwing in rhythm. One potential NFL fit could be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who already had the chance to see him up close early in the season.

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

One quarterback I am lower on than the consensus is LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. NFL Mock Draft Database currently lists him as the second-best player in their consensus rankings, but I only have a second-round grade on him. The biggest concern is his decision-making, as he threw 12 interceptions last season and too often forces the ball into coverage. He also relies heavily on the short passing game. Among the six FBS quarterbacks who topped 4,000 passing yards last season, Nussmeier was the only one to average fewer than eight yards per attempt, finishing at 7.7.

On the positive side, he shows good accuracy in the short and intermediate ranges, and he is coming off a record-setting season. As a first-year starter at LSU, he posted more passing yards, completions, attempts, touchdowns, and total offense than any first-year quarterback in school history.

5. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

NFL teams looking for a quarterback who can be a major threat in the running game will be drawn to South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. The ultra-athletic signal-caller combines speed, elusiveness, and power, making him difficult to bring down in the open field. The primary concerns are his accuracy and consistency as a passer, particularly on deep throws. He also needs to protect the football better, having fumbled six times over just seven games last season.

QB sleeper 

Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

The most underrated quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft heading into the season is Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson. He began last season as a backup but took over in the third game and closed the year with nine consecutive 200-yard passing performances, including 445 yards against LSU in the Texas Bowl. As a pro prospect, Robertson has one of the best deep balls in the class and shows excellent mobility for a 6’4”, 220-pound pocket passer. If he can refine his footwork this season, he has the potential to be a first- or second-round pick.

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