When it comes to quarterback talent, the 2025 NFL Draft was underwhelming. With Cam Ward going No. 1 overall, it goes to show how much NFL teams without a franchise quarterback are hungry for talent at the position. The 2026 NFL Draft talent should cure some of that starvation.
Headlined by players who decided to return to school for another year, the QB talent ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft will be one worth keeping a close eye on and it’s not just due to Texas QB Arch Manning who is leading the hype.
2026 NFL Draft quarterback class is deep and talented
There are some quarterbacks at big schools who will add to the hype in 2025. That doesn’t count players who can come out of nowhere with breakout type seasons with their schools. In ranking the top 5 quarterback prospects, we look at the prospects who have already shown their elite level of arm talent and those who look to have a breakout season ahead of them.
No. 1: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
2024 Stats: YDS: 939| TD: 9 | INT: 2 | QBR: 87.5
Arch Manning has yet to play a full season, but in limited action he has teased Texas Longhorns fans, the nation and NFL scouts with his pocket presence, arm talent, velocity and sneaky athleticism outside the pocket. Along with his bloodline, his on-the-field performance although limited has fueled the hype. This has the Texas quarterback in position to be the top quarterback in the nation once the 2025 college football season is under way.
As much as the small sample has proved his ability, the fact he hasn’t played a full season could be the reason he doesn’t declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. If he dominates, however, he will be the first player off the board guaranteed.
Draft projection: First Round, top 3
No. 2: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
2024 Stats: YDS: 4,052 TD: 29| INT: 12 | QBR: 80.0
The LSU quarterback may have been a late-first rounder if he decided to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. His decision to return to school for another year could put him in position to land in a franchise starting role in 2026.
In passing for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns, Garrett Nussmeier’s only flaw was the turnovers. With the tendency to force throws, Nussmeier did throw 12 interceptions, but that flow will be overlooked if his natural arm talent continues to shine. In all, his pocket presence and leadership will make him a top 3 quarterback in the draft. Along with his experience, NFL Scouts are most excited about one great QB trait.
“Nussmeier is the one that I’m most excited about because he’s so accurate and quick with his decision-making,” an AFC East area scout said, via ESPN.
Nussmeier may just have a chance to end up in the AFC East as one team may have QB high on their needs after the 2025 NFL season.
Draft projection: First round, top 5
No. 3: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
2024 Stats: YDS: 3,639 TD: 36 | INT: 6 | QBR: 78.7
If Manning stays in school, it may come down to Nussmeier and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik as the top 2 quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Like Nussmeier, Klubnik will have the experience as a multi-year starter at Clemson. As an athletic quarterback, Klubnik can escape the pocket and exhibits a soft touch with his delivery when he is within the pocket.
Although he has to work on his consistency in leading an offense, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah is impressed with Klubnik’s growth as a quarterback:
“If you look at the career of Klubnik, he has shown great improvement. Clemson should have a loaded squad this year, and the quarterback is set up to have a monster campaign. The ACC isn't on the same level as the Big Ten and SEC, but the Tigers' 2025 slate is bookended by quality SEC opponents: LSU in a highly anticipated opener and South Carolina in the regular-season finale. I can't wait to see how he performs against those two opponents. Clemson should be a national title contender, and if Klubnik can take the next step as a player, he'll generate significant draft buzz.”
Draft projection: First round, top 10
No. 4: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
2024 Stats: YDS: 3,327 | TD: 24 | INT: 8 | QBR: 77.5
With his prototypical size for a quarterback, the 6-foot-5, 238-pound Drew Allar is another signal caller with an elite arm. Like Nussmeier, Allar could’ve taken his shot at the NFL in 2025 but decided to return to school to finish some unfinished business. Along with leading Penn State to a national championship, Allar is looking to work on his mechanics and timing with his throws.
Other than working on those flaws, Allar’s poise, leadership and competitive edge will be drivers in team’s looking to make him a top of the first-round pick, especially for teams looking to mimic the success of a Josh Allen-type quarterback in the NFL. If Allar continues to show off his elite arm talent and show off his legs outside the pocket, he will move up on this list as well as elevate his NFL draft stock.
Draft projection: First round, top 10
No. 5: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
2024 Stats: 3,485 TD: 28| INT: 12 | QBR: 80.9
As tempting as it is to put Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt or South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers in this spot, it’s hard to ignore the potential of Carson Beck. Transferring from Georgia to Miami, Beck is looking to have a similar breakout season as Cam Ward.
More 2026 NFL prospects:
With his prototypical size and skillset, Beck took a step back in 2024 which influenced his decision to return to school. Will it payoff? Driven by motivation, Beck has the football IQ as well as the pocket effectiveness to thrive as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. The question will be whether he can return to the level of a first-round talent at a new program and within a new offense. Given his experience and previous flirtation with success, the answer is more than likely yes.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round