2027 NFL Draft QB rankings: Dante Moore, Julian Sayin or Arch Manning?

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2027 NFL Draft QB rankings: Dante Moore, Julian Sayin or Arch Manning?

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Thu, Apr 23, 2026 ·

8 min read

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There's always next year.

It's often a trap teams and fans can fall into when their draft class doesn't pan out as hoped. Quarterbacks can fade from franchise saviors to Day 2 developmental picks after underperforming in their final NCAA season.

All signs point to that not happening in 2027.

Teams have made quarterback decisions for 2026 with the 2027 NFL Draft class in mind. Potential top-five selections in this year's draft opted instead to return to school for another year before joining the professional ranks.

It's a close battle for the top spot between a trio of passers: Oregon's Dante Moore , Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Texas' Arch Manning . All three are likely first-round passers in 2027 if they decide to declare.

They're worth knowing more about but they're also not the only intriguing passers hitting the NFL next spring. Here's a look at our top 10 quarterbacks for the next draft class:

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See the top quarterbacks available in the 2026 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks headline early evaluations for the 2026 NFL Draft as teams begin sorting the best available prospects at the position.

See the college quarterbacks drawing attention as draft boards take shape ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Above, Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide scrambles during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026, in Pasadena, California.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Garrett Nussmeier of the LSU Tigers drops back to pass against the Baylor Bears during the first half in the Kinder's Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2024, in Houston, Texas.

(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)

Cade Klubnik of the Clemson Tigers warms up during the first half of a football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 29, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

Drew Allar of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the fourth quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium on October 04, 2025, in Pasadena, California.

(Luke Hales, Getty Images)

Miami's Carson Beck throws during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

(Rich Janzaruk, USA TODAY, Imagn Images)

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green passes during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

(Nelson Chenault, Imagn Images)

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker LaVonta Bentley #20 tackles North Dakota State Bison quarterback Cole Payton #9 in the first half at Folsom Field.

(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports, Imagn Images)

Luke Altmyer of the Illinois Fighting Illini throws a pass against the Western Illinois Leathernecks during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2025, in Champaign, Illinois.

(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores makes adjustments prior to the snap during the second quarter of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)

2027 NFL Draft QB rankings

1. Dante Moore, Oregon

Moore would've been justifiably in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick had he decided to come out after one season as a starter with the Ducks. His 2025 tape wasn't flawless by any means but he showed more than enough to warrant top quarterback consideration. He returns to Eugene in 2026 with a new-look offense around him. Jeremiah McClellan and Dakorien Moore return as his top wideouts, but he'll be without top 2025 targets, Malik Benson and Kenyon Sadiq.

Strengths:Moore is a mobile pocket passer with a fast release who took steps as an intermediate passer in 2025. His deep ball touch is among the best in the class. He's not a true dual-threat quarterback, but his mobility can extend plays and he's comfortable throwing on the run.
Areas for improvement:Moore struggled against Indiana in 2025. The Hoosiers' defense is as close to a pro system as he has seen in the college ranks with their use of pre-snap disguises. If Moore can improve on his post-snap play recognition, he'll be a lock top-three pick. His leaner frame (206 pounds at 6-foot-3) is a slight concern as well.

2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Sayin burst onto the scene in 2025, his first season as a starter in Columbus. The redshirt freshman led the country in completion percentage (77.0%) in 2025 and threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. Another offseason with the Buckeyes should help him further develop his game. Though Carnell Tate is gone to the NFL, he'll get his top target and likely top-five draft pick Jeremiah Smith back in 2026 to throw to.

Strengths:Sayin has a quick, consistent release which he maintains even when pressured. His processing post-snap was advanced for a redshirt freshman in 2025. His ball placement, especially deep, is among the best in the class. He's aggressive without taking too many risks and can extend plays with good mobility.
Areas for improvement:Like Moore, he struggled most against Indiana's defense. He also had a tougher time against Miami in the College Football Playoff when facing a talented defensive line. He has frame questions as well at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds so adding a few pounds would address some durability concerns.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium.

3. Arch Manning, Texas

Twelve months ago, it was Manning whom everyone had penciled in as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft . What a difference six months made.

Manning struggled out of the gate in his first season as the Longhorns' starter. New starters on the offensive line and wide receiver room took some time to sort out. He looked like a much better player in December than he did in September. If he can build on that finish, he's a threat for the No. 1 spot.

Strengths:Prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) with plus athleticism that makes him a natural fit for bootlegs, play-action and designed runs. Good accuracy on deep passing with a repeatable release. Took on more pre-snap responsibilities over the course of the season.
Areas for improvement:Manning sprayed throws early on in 2025 as his confidence took a hit with five interceptions in the first five games as a starter. Footwork can break down under pressure. Can hold onto the ball too long and needs to speed up his progressions.

4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers was another underperformer in 2025 who opted to return to school rather than declare for the NFL draft. He's a rare athlete for his size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) and made highlight-level plays throughout the year for South Carolina. He regressed in 2025 after a strong start to his career in 2024 as a true dual-threat quarterback.

His top receivers return in 2026, including his younger brother, Trey Sellers. Former Georgia and Purdue wideout Nitro Tuggle also transferred to South Carolina for 2026 to add to a wide receiver room with Sellers and big-bodied speedster Nyck Harbor.

Strengths:Elite athleticism that will draw (fairly or unfairly) comparisons to Cam Newton . Very strong arm with solid accuracy deep. Lower body power to break tackles as an open-field runner with good footwork, thanks to his soccer background. Eye manipulation took a step forward.
Areas for improvement:Accuracy took a step back in 2025 as his completion percentage dropped from 64.8% to 59.8%. Fumbles are a concern (17 in 24 starts). He's a big body but doesn't do enough to avoid contact; he's been sacked 71 times in those 24 starts. Average release and can get locked onto his first read.

5. Jayden Maiava, USC

Maiava played well enough down the stretch for the Trojans to warrant consideration as a draft pick for 2026. He opted to return to USC in 2026 and continue to build his draft stock with a second season as a starter.

He'll be without top targets Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane, and Lake McRee as the trio has moved on to the NFL. He should get a boost at that position from N.C. State transfer Terrell Anderson, in addition to returning starter Tanook Hines.

Strengths:Great size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) with decent scrambling ability in a powerful frame. Took on a bigger pre-snap role in 2025 and made significant improvements in ball security and accuracy (59.8% in 2024 to 65.3% in 2025). Good timing which thrives on quick game slants and hitches. Excellent deep ball placement.
Areas for improvement:Footwork can drop off against pressure. Intermediate throws over the middle can be spotty accuracy-wise. Can lock onto primary receivers for too long which leaves him vulnerable to batted passes.

6. C.J. Carr, Notre Dame

Carr is a pocket passer who played very well in his first season as a starter in 2025. He's got good size with a repeatable, clean release. He can reset in the pocket and excels when he establishes a rhythm backed by his good accuracy. He'll need to show strides as a passer without the threat of Jeremiyah Love in the backfield for opposing defenses.

7. Brendan Sorsby , Texas Tech

Sorsby was a sleeper for the 2026 NFL Draft before opting to transfer to Texas Tech instead of declaring for the draft. He's got prototypical size at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds with good mobility and a strong arm. Ball security and eye manipulation are two of his stronger suits. He'll need to improve his accuracy down-to-down, maintain his footwork under pressure and stand tall in the pocket more to move up these rankings.

8. John Mateer, Oklahoma

Mateer's 2025 campaign was derailed by a hand injury that he never seemed to fully recover from. He's a dual-threat quarterback who eludes defenders and delivers the ball out of multiple arm slots. His processing is very good for this stage of his development and he can throw with anticipation. He needs to get better about holding on to the ball too long and throwing into windows that won't be there at the NFL level.

9. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

After an off-field legal battle, Chambliss will be back at Ole Miss in 2026. He's a dynamic dual-threat runner with a strong arm to challenge defenses deep. He showed growth in the Ole Miss offense throughout the season. For a running quarterback, he takes care of the ball. His slight frame (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) is a concern because of how much contact he takes. His accuracy on non-deep passes also needs improvement

10. Sam Leavitt, LSU

Leavitt transferred from Arizona State to LSU for 2026 and could benefit from a season under new Tigers coach Lane Kiffin. He's a dual-threat quarterback at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds who doesn't turn the ball over thanks to his good decision-making. He handles pressure well and throws with anticipation with an NFL-caliber arm. He needs to speed up his mechanics and release, and show he can handle an upgrade in competition in 2026.