The 2026 NFL Draft class can potentially be loaded with quarterback talent. Players like Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers, Drew Allar, Arch Manning, and others could all declare and become first-round picks next year.
While this draft class looks to be stacked at the quarterback position on paper, some big questions must be asked about just how good this class can be and which prospects can become NFL superstars.
Key Storylines for the 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
Will Arch Manning Declare for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The question at the top of everyone’s mind about this quarterback class is whether or not Texas Longhorns quarterback and nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning will declare after the 2025 season.
Manning has shown flashes of being an elite quarterback, but the fact of the matter is, he hasn’t played much football. Even with a great 2025 season, I think there’s a strong chance he returns to Texas for one more year.
We’ve increasingly seen quarterbacks who have played a lot of college ball translate best to the NFL. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, the two rookie quarterbacks who achieved the most success in the NFL last season, played 55 and 61 college games, respectively, before entering the league. Experience matters a lot, and I think for that reason, Manning is more likely to return to Texas after next season.
If Production Matches Talent, Can Anyone Best LaNorris Sellers?
One of the most interesting quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class is South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. Sellers’ tools are out of this world. He stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 242 pounds with freakish athleticism and a cannon for an arm.
I’ve quite literally purchased all LaNorris Sellers stock that I can find. Even had them check the back to make sure there wasn’t any stock left.
This might have been the play that sparked the purchase spree.
pic.twitter.com/0f9KgJsURf— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) May 26, 2025
Sellers is coming off a great redshirt freshman campaign, during which he threw for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. While that kind of production is suitable for a freshman, the NFL likely wants to see more before he enters the league.
If Sellers can increase his production in 2025, there isn’t a quarterback in this draft class who matches him “traits” wise. The arm, mobility, and size are everything NFL teams are looking for, and if he can match that with the production, there’s a very real possibility he’ll be the NFL’s top quarterback prospect come April next year.
Who Could Make the Same Leap as Jayden Daniels, Cam Ward in 2026?
In recent memory, many quarterbacks who did not receive much draft hype before their final season jumped the ranks and became QB1 or QB2 in the NFL Draft. Guys like Joe Burrow, Cam Ward, and Daniels were not even projected to be first-rounders and were all taken with the top two picks.
So, who is the guy that could make that jump this year? One name stands out: Pittsburgh’s Eli Holstein. Holstein began his career at Alabama before transferring to Pitt last season. Holstein threw for 2,225 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in just ten games.
He has a prototypical quarterback frame, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, with a rocket arm and solid athleticism. I don’t think it’s a surefire conclusion that he jumps up draft boards throughout the year, but with improvements to his footwork and ball placement, there’s no doubt that he has all the tools to be an elite prospect.
Which Middle-of-the-Pack Players’ Stocks Could Rise in 2025?
There are a lot of potential quarterbacks in this class who aren’t seen as top prospects, but are still viewed as NFL-level talent. Out of those QBs, a couple could see their stocks rise and make their way into the first round next season.
The first guy is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who transferred to the Hoosiers after playing his first two seasons with Cal. Mendoza’s frame screams NFL quarterback, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds. Mendoza doesn’t have the strongest arm, but his footwork and accuracy are great, and if he can see a jump under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, we could be talking about him as one of the top prospects in 2026.
Next up is Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt. Leavitt transferred to the Sun Devils last season after beginning his career at Michigan State, and played at a high level. Leavitt has a good arm and great pocket mobility, allowing him to extend plays and make things happen out of structure. With Cam Skattebo leaving for the NFL, Leavitt will be the focal point of ASU’s offense next season, and with a jump in production, he could see his stock rise big time.
Is Penn State QB Drew Allar a Top Prospect?
Penn State’s Drew Allar is one of the most polarizing players in the 2026 draft class. Some people think he’s a top-ten prospect, while others view him as a day-three pick. It makes sense, as Allar hasn’t been flashy or put up huge numbers throughout his college career. However, he stands out as an intriguing prospect.
Allar’s numbers are a little deflated due to Penn State having one of the most lethal rushing attacks in all of college football. That said, when Allar is asked to throw, he delivers most of the time.
Allar has potentially the best arm in this class and can make any throw on the field. His accuracy and poise improved considerably in 2024, and he should continue to make strides in 2025. At the end of next season, the NFL could be viewing Allar as one of the best overall prospects in the class, and he’ll likely hear his name called early on day one of the draft.