The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl practices get underway this afternoon in Mobile, Ala., bringing some of the nation’s top draft-eligible talent together for one of the most important evaluation weeks on the NFL calendar. For many prospects, it’s a prime opportunity to elevate their stock and leave a lasting impression on scouts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, no position in Mobile carries more weight than the quarterback. Whether teams are searching for a future starter or a reliable backup, the league’s appetite for passers never fades. With six signal-callers set to take the field this week, here’s a look at how each stacks up entering this pivotal week in their draft journeys.
1) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier opens Senior Bowl week as the top-ranked quarterback in attendance, even as he’s viewed as the QB4 in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator. At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, the LSU product brings one of the sharpest minds in the class, consistently winning with fast decision-making, precision in the quick game, and comfort operating RPO concepts.
Nussmeier may not wow evaluators with elite athleticism or off-script flair, but his command of the position and natural feel for offensive structure are clear, traits reinforced by his upbringing as the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. A strong week in Mobile with the American team could further elevate his stock and reinforce his case as the top quarterback on the Senior Bowl roster.
2) Taylen Green, Arkansas
Taylen Green arrives in Mobile with some of the most intriguing upside at quarterback, immediately standing out with a rare 6-foot-6, 229-pound frame that fits the NFL prototype. While he checks in as QB5 on the PFSN MDS, Green’s combination of size and athletic traits gives him a clear path to rising boards throughout the pre-draft process.
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On the field, Green runs with surprising edge for a quarterback his size, routinely breaking tackles. Still, his development at Arkansas has been uneven; the raw traits remain enticing. A solid week of practices and game action at the Senior Bowl could help Green show scouts that his tools are beginning to translate and that he’s ready to compete at the NFL level.
3) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Sawyer Robertson is a standout quarterback entering Senior Bowl week, confidently positioned as one of the most rapidly ascending talents in the field. Robertson brings an NFL-ready 6-foot-3 frame, paired with clean, repeatable mechanics that should appeal to evaluators this week. He also flashes a lively arm, capable of driving throws into tight windows and attacking all levels of the field.’
While Robertson may not project as an immediate starter, his profile fits that of a developmental quarterback who can grow into a reliable and trusted backup. To maximize his week in Mobile, he’ll need to rein in the tendency to play hero ball, as he can lock onto his primary read against zone coverage and force throws into traffic. Showing better discipline could go a long way toward boosting his stock.
4) Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Cole Payton caps off PFSN’s top ten quarterbacks in the MDS as one of the most intriguing projection players in the Senior Bowl field. The North Dakota State standout is a true dual-threat weapon who posted the second-highest PFSN CFB QB Impact score in the FCS at 89.7. Despite starting for just one full season and still being short on live reps, his athletic profile is impossible to overlook.
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Payton will need to maximize his time in Mobile, using the Senior Bowl as a platform to show scouts that his skill set and command of the position translate to the NFL level, even with a limited number of in-game reps on his college résumé.
5) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia made headlines early after measuring in at 5-foot-9 to start the Senior Bowl, which had social media buzzing. While his size raises obvious questions about how he’ll handle NFL defensive fronts, Pavia’s on-field performance demands notice as he led the nation with a 94.8 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score.
A true dual-threat, he can extend plays with his legs and make accurate, efficient throws, rarely forcing the ball unnecessarily. Still, his arm strength and processing aren’t yet at an NFL-caliber level, which will be a key focus for scouts this week.
6) Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Luke Altmyer heads into Senior Bowl week as a quarterback who thrives on brains over brawn. Physically, he’s got an average size with an arm that grades only slightly above average, but his on-field poise and processing are what set him apart in this class. His mental processing is top-tier, allowing him to read defenses quickly and move through his progressions efficiently, rarely holding the ball past his third option.
While his athletic ceiling is limited compared to modern dual-threat quarterbacks and he won’t create explosive plays with his legs, Altmyer’s precision, football IQ, and composure under pressure make him a prospect worth watching closely in Mobile.
