Big news hit the college football world this afternoon when Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, decided to return for another season in Eugene. Most analysts had projected Moore to be the second quarterback selected in this April’s draft, so the decision came as a huge shock to fans and scouts.
This announcement has sparked discussions about the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft class. In this article, we will explore 10 quarterbacks who are poised to make an impact in the 2027 NFL Draft. Let’s dive in!
Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning is widely expected to compete for the QB1 spot in next year’s draft. He possesses the prototypical frame teams seek in a quarterback and undeniable arm talent. Manning generates impressive velocity with a compact release when his mechanics are properly aligned. He also brings a dimension no Manning before him possessed: legitimate speed.
Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech
Brendan Sorsby is entering the next phase of his career with momentum, transferring from Cincinnati to Texas Tech in a clear effort to boost his draft stock. He possesses genuine NFL arm talent, allowing him to throw the football accurately into tight windows over the middle and stretch defenses vertically with ease. His physicality pairs with real athleticism, as he offers dynamic dual-threat ability.
Byrum Brown, Auburn
Byrum Brown heads into the 2026 season as a true difference-maker after transferring from USF to Auburn. His breakout year with the Bulls showcased a quarterback who can dominate games in multiple ways, finishing with 3,158 passing yards and 28 touchdown throws while limiting mistakes to just seven interceptions. What separates Brown, however, is the damage he does with his legs, logging more than 1,000 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground.
Dante Moore, Oregon
Following his announcement to return to Oregon, Dante Moore remains one of the most intriguing quarterback talents in college football. He delivers the football with a smooth, repeatable release and shows the ability to drive throws into tight windows or feather the ball with touch when attacking deeper areas of the field. While consistency remains the next step in his progression, Moore’s foundation is strong enough to be in the running for QB1 in next year’s draft.
Darian Mensah, Duke
Since his time at Tulane, Darian Mensah has quietly established himself as one of the most efficient and reliable quarterbacks in college football. From Tulane to Duke, Mensah has refined his decision-making skills, reducing mistakes and demonstrating a solid understanding of coverage. His creativity is especially impressive, as he consistently turns challenging throws into routine gains while prioritizing ball security.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Drew Mestemaker’s rise from walk-on at North Texas to one of the most productive passers in the country is one of college football’s most compelling breakout stories. In his first season as a full-time starter, Mestemaker led the nation in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, prompting his move to the Big 12 to play for Oklahoma State. At 6-foot-4, he brings prototypical size to the position, allowing him to see the field clearly and deliver the football with confidence from the pocket.
Jayden Maiava, USC
Jayden Maiava has rapidly emerged as one of the most impactful quarterbacks in the 2027 draft class, finishing in the top three nationally on PFSN’s CFB QB Impact rankings with a 93.1 score. His deep ball is a legitimate weapon, dropping throws into tight windows 40 yards downfield with effortless touch. As a runner, he brings an edge, attacking defenses between the tackles and turning designed quarterback draws into punishing chunk gains.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
A 2025 Heisman finalist, Julian Sayin commands the quarterback position with a level of refinement rarely seen from someone so early in his career. His delivery is explosive and efficient, unloading the football in the blink of an eye. Beyond arm talent, his mental approach stands out. Sayin processes defensive looks with remarkable speed, identifying coverages and making confident decisions that reflect a seasoned starter.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers stands out as an exceptional athlete in next year’s quarterback class. He is a powerful and explosive runner, quickly reaching top speed and delivering truck sticks to defenders with his impressive 240-plus-pound frame. In the pocket, his awareness is notably advanced for an underclassman. He navigates pressure with poise and maintains focus downfield to make accurate throws while on the move.
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Sam Leavitt arrives in Baton Rouge as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the country. He brings elite efficiency from his time at Arizona State and is now returning from a Lisfranc injury to compete at LSU, a program under intense scrutiny. Leavitt combines advanced anticipation with sharp decision-making, enabling him to minimize mistakes at a level few quarterbacks can match. He also stays productive under duress, creating explosive yardage while maintaining calm, veteran-level pocket movement.
