Dante Moore's decision makes '26 NFL draft QB class a mess

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Dante Moore's decision makes '26 NFL draft QB class a mess – and '27 a gem

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Thu, Jan 15, 2026 ·

8 min read

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In the world of the NFL draft, it's much more difficult to take the temperature than to foresee a storm.

By Wednesday, however, the downpour on this year's quarterback class was in full effect when Dante Moore announced he would return to Oregon for the 2026 season. Moore had been widely projected as the No. 2 signal-caller behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and a leading candidate to be taken second overall by the New York Jets .

In what was already shaping up to be a down year for passers, the 6-foot-3, 206-pound sophomore figured to be the kind of prospect teams would eagerly sign up to bring along. Moore threw 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals, with substantial progress made in his poise and precision after he completed just 53.5% of his passes as a true freshman at UCLA in 2023 before transferring.

Now, three months out from the draft's first pick being made in Pittsburgh , the quarterback landscape is looking awfully barren for a swath of teams.

Forgive me for claiming a win here, but seeing this potentially calamitous QB class coming might be one of the few predictions about the upcoming draft I get right. (Don't worry about where I said the likes of Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier might end up in my way-too-early mock draft in April.)

Amid a shaky start at the position almost across the board in September, I highlighted five quarterbacks who could still save the '26 draft . Moore was the leading candidate among them. Then, amid persistent speculation that Moore and Alabama's Ty Simpson could eschew going pro for another year in college, I tried to sketch out what a worst-case scenario QB class would look like in my early December mock draft .

Simpson ended up declaring , providing teams with at least one additional option behind center who could end up in the first-round mix. But Moore's decision figures to send ripples throughout college football and the NFL for the next year-plus.

Here's our breakdown of where things stand for NFL teams, QB prospects and the next two draft classes in the wake of Moore's move:

What's the 2026 NFL draft class QB outlook after Dante Moore's return to Oregon?

It's bad. Really bad.

To be fair, we've seen worse in recent history. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner , is an accomplished and highly promising prospect as a passer, even if his physical tools and shortage of creativity leave him less enticing than the likes of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye . His presence alone should prevent this year's draft from going down in history next to the 2013 and 2022 editions, when EJ Manuel (No. 16) and Kenny Pickett (No. 20) had to wait until the middle of the first round before becoming the lone quarterback chosen in the top 32 picks.

But Mendoza shapes up as a virtual lock to go to the Las Vegas Raiders , who hold the No. 1 overall pick and have little incentive to look elsewhere for a passer given the dearth of options. For everyone else searching for a young passer capable of transforming a franchise's fortunes ... happy hunting.

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NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

Nov. 1, 2026: Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) forces Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) to fumble near the goal line for a touchback. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons, 16-0 , in the pouring rain at Raymond James Stadium

(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Jan. 25, 2026: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye hands the ball to Rhamondre Stevenson during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Patriots won the game, 10-7 , to reach the 12th Super Bowl in team history.

(Justin Edmonds, Getty Images)

Jan. 18, 2026: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during an NFC divisional playoff game at snowy and frigid Soldier Field. The Rams prevailed, 20-17, in overtime to reach the NFC title game for the first time since the 2021 season.

(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Jan. 18, 2026: New England Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) reacts after a sack against the Houston Texans in an AFC divisional playoff game at snowy Gillette Stadium. The Patriots prevailed, 28-16 , in a game that featured eight turnovers (six by the Texans).

(Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)

Jan. 3, 2026: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hands the ball off to Bucky Irving against the Carolina Panthers at rainy Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won the game, 16-14.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)

Dec. 28, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at rainy Highmark Stadium. The Eagles won the game, 13-12.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)

Dec. 14, 2025: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills snowy at Gillette Stadium. The Bills won the game, 35-31.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) communicates between plays against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium. Despite a heavy snowfall, the Bills and Bengals played a high-scoring game, which was won by Buffalo, 39-34.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) defends against a pass intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as snow falls at Huntington Bank Field. The Titans won the game, 31-29.
(Scott Galvin, Imagn Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Heavy rain falls as Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to running back Sean Tucker for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Saints won the game, 24-20.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)

Nov. 9, 2025: New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Snow fell at Soldier Field for much of the game, which the Bears won, 24-20.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)

Jan. 19, 2025: Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an AFC divisional playoff game. The Bills won the game, 27-25, in snowy and chilly conditions at Highmark Stadium.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Jan. 19, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) prepares for a snap during the second half of an NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game, 28-22.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)

Dec. 1, 2024: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls signals during a "Sunday Night Football" game against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium. The Bills won the snow-covered game, 35-10, to clinch the AFC East division title for a fifth consecutive season.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Nov. 21, 2024: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during a "Thursday Night Football" game at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns won the game, 24-19.
(Scott Galvin, Imagn Images)

Jan. 15, 2024: Snow covers Highmark Stadium before the AFC wild-card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. The Bills won the game, 31-17, after the contest was postponed a day due to a massive winter storm.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 13, 2024: The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins 26-7 in a wild-card playoff game with a temperature of minus-4 at kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 7, 2024: New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs the ball against the New England Patriots at snowy Gillette Stadium. The Jets won the game, 17-3.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 31, 2023: Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a 7-yard touchdown pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III in the first half at snowy Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 37-17.
(Jamie Sabau, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2023: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss during a game played in heavy rain at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game, 9-7.
(Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 22, 2023: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) leaps for a catch in the end zone against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bengals won the game, 27-10.
(Kareem Elgazzar, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 24, 2022: Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in frigid conditions at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Saints won the game, 17-10.
(Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2022: Buffalo Bills players clear an area on the field to prepare for the game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium. Tyler Bass' 25-yard field goal gave the Bills a 32-29 win.
(Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2022: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens as snow falls during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game, 13-3.
(Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 22, 2022: San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould celebrates with teammate after kicking the game-winning field goal during the NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at cold and snowy Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 2, 2022: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by the Atlanta Falcons' Duron Harmon (21) and Kendall Sheffield (20) in the snow at Highmark Stadium. The Bills won the game, 29-15.
(Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 26, 2021: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Bilal Nichols (98) during the first quarter at snowy Lumen Field. The Bears won the game, 25-24.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 14, 2021: Snow falls at Lambeau Field as Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon breaks a tackle by the Seattle Seahawks' D.J. Reed. The Packers won the game, 17-0.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 24, 2021: The Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers play in a heavy rain at Levi's Stadium.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Dec. 27, 2020: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambles for a first down before being tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans in the first quarter at Lambeau Field.
(Benny Sieu,USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 15, 2020: Rain falls during the game between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 23-17.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)

Oct. 25, 2020: Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) rushes for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won the game, 43-16.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 15, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 23-3.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 1, 2019: Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs the ball in the snow against the New York Giants during a 31-13 win at MetLife Stadium.
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 1, 2019: The Baltimore Ravens' Chuck Clark (36) and Marlon Humphrey celebrate after forcing a fumble in a 20-17 win the rain against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium.
(Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 10, 2019: Snow falls during the fourth quarter of the Carolina Panthers-Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won, 24-16.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 20, 2019: San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman (26) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back Troy Apke (30) while carrying the ball at FedExField. The 49ers won the game, 9-0.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 12, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill dives for more yardage during an AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 31-13, for the team's first home playoff win in 25 years.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 10, 2017: Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy runs past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo in a snow storm at New Era Field. The Bills won in overtime, 13-7.
(Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 20, 2013: The Baltimore Ravens' Michael Oher (74), Marshal Yanda (73) and Gino Gradkowski stand on the snow-covered field during the national anthem before playing the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Ravens won the game, 29-26.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)

Dec. 8, 2013: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell carries the ball as Miami Dolphins cornerback Dimitri Patterson (24) and defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98) pursue during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won the game, 34-28.
(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 8, 2013: Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Washington Redskins in the snow at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won the game, 45-10.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 8, 2013: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson returns a punt against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game, 34-20.
(Jeffrey G. Pittenger, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 17, 2013: The Chicago Bears' David Bass (91) and Corey Wootton (98) rush against the Baltimore Ravens at muddy Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Ravens 23-20 in overtime.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Sept. 25, 2011: Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams gets tackled by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers won the game, 16-10.
(Jeremy Brevard, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan. 16, 2011: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte attempts to jump into the end zone but is stopped short by the Seattle Seahawks during a 2010 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 35-24.
(Doug Pensinger, Getty Images)

Dec. 20, 2010: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 40-14.
(Brace Hemmelgarn, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady directs the offense against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots won the game, 36-7.
(Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images)

Jan. 3, 2010: A line judge watches play near the end zone of a snow covered field of play during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game, 30-7.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Oct. 18, 2009: Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans -- dressed in the uniforms of the Houston Oilers -- leaves the field as the New England Patriots' Pierre Woods (58) and Mike Wright (99) converse at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 59-0.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

Jan. 11, 2009: San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson catches a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an AFC divisional playoff game at snowy Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 35-24.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 21, 2008: New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 47-7.
(David Butler II, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan 20, 2008: New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shouts to his team from the sidelines during the second quarter of the 2007 NFC Championship Game at Lambeau FIeld. The Giants beat the Packers, 23-20, in overtime.
(Todd Rosenberg, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan. 12, 2008: The Green Bay Packers line up against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won the game, 42-20.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

Nov. 20, 2008: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes reacts after a catch for a first down while playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 27-10.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Dec. 16, 2007: Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor walks into the end zone after scoring the winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Jaguars won the game, 29-22.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Nov. 26, 2007: Pittsburgh Steeler receiver Hines Ward tries to gain his footing after a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 3-0.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Feb. 4, 2007: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning scrambles out of the pocket against the Chicago Bears during Super Bowl XLI at Dolphins Stadium. The Colts won the game, 29-17, in the first Super Bowl played in the rain.
(Jason Parkhurst, US PRESSWIRE)

Nov. 27, 2006: Seattle Seahawks quarterback (8) Matt Hasselbeck throws against the Green Bay Packers at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks went on to a 34-24 win on "Monday Night Football."
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 11, 2005: Pittsburgh Steelers running back (36) Jerome Bettis runs against Chicago Bears at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 21-9.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Nov. 28, 2004: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller (7) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game, 24-3.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Dec. 12, 2004: Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee (21) carries the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Warrick Holdman attempts to make the tackle in the snow at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game, 37-7.
(Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 26, 2004: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis (36) is tackled by the Miami Dolphins' Jay Williams (91). The playing conditions were tough because of Hurricane Jeanne. The Steelers won the game, 13-3.
(Allen Kee, NFL)

Dec. 28, 2002: Oakland Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) is tackled by the Kansas City Chiefs' Duane Clemons (99) during a game at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game, 24-0.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)

Dec. 17, 2000: Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George attempts to move away from Cleveland Browns defender Marquis Smith (21) at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Titans won, 24-9, with George gaining 176 rushing yards on 34 carries and three touchdowns.
(George Walker IV, The Tennessean)

Jan. 12 1997: Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Mathew Campbell gets adjusted to the climate during the 1996 NFC championship game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 30-13, in below-freezing temperatures during "Ice Bowl II."
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Jan. 4, 1997: The Green Bay Packers take on the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won the game, 35-14.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)

Nov. 25, 1993: Miami Dolphin running back Terry Kirby (43) loses the ball while being brought down by the Dallas Cowboys' Brock Marion (31), Leon Lett (78) and Bill Bates (40) during first quarter action on Thanksgiving Day at Texas Stadium. The Dolphins won the game, 16-14, which was played on a snow-covered field.
(PAUL K BUCK, AFP via Getty Images)

Dec. 31, 1988: The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles play in the famous "Fog Bowl," a 1988 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 20-12.
(US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 1, 1985: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 21-0, on Dec. 1, 1985, in the "Snow Bowl" at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

(Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Jan. 10, 1982: Linemen for the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers line up in sub-zero temperatures during the 1981 AFC championship game in what was dubbed "The Freezer Bowl" at Riverfront Stadium. Playing in 9-below zero temperatures and wind gusting to 40 miles per hour, the Bengals downed the Chargers, 27-7.
(The Enquirer, Gerry Wolter)

Dec. 26, 1977: Minnesota Vikings running back Chuck Foreman (44) in action against the Los Angeles Rams during the 1977 NFC divisional playoff Game at L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The rain-soaked playoff game in Los Angeles that would become known as the "Mud Bowl." The Vikings won the game, 14-7.
(David Boss, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 31, 1967: Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15) hands off to running back Donny Anderson (44) during the NFL championship game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17. At minus-13 degrees, with a minus-48 wind chill, the "Ice Bowl" remains the NFL's coldest game ever. Gpg Ice Bowl Action 11092022 021
(Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Nov. 15, 1964: St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Charley Johnson (12) in action against the New York Giants at Busch Stadium. The game ended in a 10-10 tie.
(Herb Weitman, USA TODAY Sports)

Moore's decision no doubt thrusts the spotlight on Simpson, who surged in the early portion of his first year as a starter before floundering down the stretch. In the first two months of the season, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound signal-caller impressed with his quick processing and ability to navigate the pocket.

Yet Simpson's inexperience after just 15 starts figures to loom large in a league where teams historically have been wary of using top picks on throwers with a limited body of work. And those who have broken through typically have a trump card in the form of dazzling arm strength, a la Dwayne Haskins , or other-worldly athleticism, like that of Anthony Richardson. Simpson doesn't fit that bill with his rather pedestrian physical traits, so cracking the top half of the first round will be an exceedingly difficult sell.

Maybe, however, he fits in as this year's Jaxson Dart – a mid-to-late Day 1 option for a team that would, at least initially, not immediately anoint him as a franchise savior. It's possible Simpson may get pushed up higher by the supply-demand imbalance behind center. But in a talent pool with few surefire first-rounders, the Crimson Tide standout doesn't shape up as one of them.

What really makes the 2026 class even bleaker than last year's group, however, is the outlook beyond Mendoza and Simpson. There's no equivalent of Tyler Shough – the seventh-year senior at Louisville who built a buzz in the pre-draft process before landing with the New Orleans Saints – in the mix as an intriguing Day 2 selection. And there's no Jalen Milroe developmental prospect, either.

For teams who miss out on Mendoza and don't push for Simpson, the pickings look slim. Might the No. 3 option be Mississippi's Trinidad Chambliss? The Division II transfer is still trying to fight his way back to the college ranks for another year of eligibility. If his battle with the NCAA ends up for naught, however, he could end up as the captivating second-tier passer that currently can't be found elsewhere.

Beyond him, the next best choice might be Nussmeier, who might be flying under the radar a bit following a season-long letdown for LSU that was hardly all his fault. Allar, meanwhile, has seen his star fade considerably after a massively disappointing campaign that culminated with a season-ending ankle injury. But his upside still could make him a fun project. And Miami's Carson Beck has helped boost his case with the Hurricanes' CFP title game run, with a mid-round spot now perhaps within reach.

For any team in search of an immediate difference-maker, however, the message might be to wait until 2027. Good news on that front, though.

2027 NFL draft class could be an all-timer

When it comes to evaluating draft prospects, things always look rosier a full year out, with players yet to have all the finer points of their game picked apart.

But it's fair to say that the 2027 NFL draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting collections of talent – particularly at QB – in quite some time.

Any discussion that centers on hype, of course, has to begin with Arch Manning . The Texas quarterback, who was seen by many to be the early favorite for the No. 1 pick in 2026 despite only having made two starts entering this season, sparked some chortles and derision with his rough early performances. By the end of the year, however, he managed to settle in and serve up reminders of why he was so highly thought of in the first place.

With plenty of time to sort things out, Moore might take a backseat to Manning for the early front-runner for No. 1 in 2027.

There should be plenty of competition for the duo, however. Brendan Sorsby transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech rather than trying his luck in this year's draft, and his burly build (6-foot-3, 235 pounds), outstanding arm strength and alluring mobility are sure to make him one of the most closely monitored passers next fall. His package of athletic tools might only be rivaled by South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, who at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds presents a singular threat for vexing defenses with his downfield passing and running ability. Ohio State's Julian Sayin is hardly the physical marvel of the aforementioned quarterbacks, but the Heisman Trophy finalist will earn plenty of fans with his precision and overall savvy operating from the pocket.

Beyond the top options, there are a host of wild cards who could rise and give next year's group the depth that the forthcoming one lacks. Several other signal-callers joined Sorsby in heading to other schools, with LSU's Sam Leavitt and Indiana's Josh Hoover ranking among the best situated to surge at their new spots. Many more – including Duke's Darian Mensah, USC's Jayden Maiava, Oklahoma's John Mateer and UCLA's Nico Iamaleava – stayed situated in hopes of breaking out in more familiar confines.

In light of the drastically sunnier setup next year, would teams actually put a pin in any quarterback plans merely in hopes of a payoff down the road? Treading water typically hasn't served teams well in recent years. And it's helped contribute to the downfall of several coaches, with nine teams now having vacancies in what many figured would be a slower cycle. But, as Shedeur Sanders ' slide in last year's draft reinforced, organizations won't force the issue on a quarterback investment if they don't see a viable solution. And with so many new coaches coming aboard in one offseason, several front offices might be better positioned to exercise some discretion at the position rather than scrambling for an answer.

It's a fascinating dynamic Moore has put himself in the middle of – and he should remain there for the next 15 months.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL draft class is QB mess after Dante Moore decision

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