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DB’s Big Board: Ranking Top QBs in 2026 NFL Draft
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- DB’s Big Board: Ranking Top QBs in 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
It's no secret that predicting which college quarterbacks will succeed in the NFL Draft is the single most difficult thing to do in the scouting profession. The physical tools are usually easier to spot, but the mental acumen to process information and execute the intent of the play in approximately 2.75 seconds with bodies flying around in your vicinity is harder to find because of the differences in the college and pro game. Nonetheless, this is the most important position in all of sports, and thus, many needy teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers , are working around the clock to find their next signal caller.
Unfortunately, the overall talent level and subsequent depth of the 2026 NFL Draft class have taken a beating in the winter, with several of the most intriguing prospects, including Arch Manning from Texas and Oregon's Dante Moore , opting to return to school. There's certainly an argument to be made that this new development could be beneficial for all parties involved, but alas. That leaves only two players with true starter grades and a bevy of day three dart throws. Even with the presumed eventual Aaron Rodgers reunion, Mike McCarthy will likely take a shot at some point.
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Below are my top eight quarterbacks in the cycle.
1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a game against Penn State on Nov. 8, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
A precision pocket passer with excellent size and deadly accuracy to all three levels of the field with the back-shoulder fade being his calling card, Fernando Mendoza is a stone-cold killer whose heartbeat remains steady regardless of the environment, consistently uplifting his team in critical situations such as third and longs, low red zone, and late in games. One of his biggest hurdles will be transitioning to more of a pro-style system, but he possesses the physical and mental makeup worth building your franchise around.
2) Ty Simpson , Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. — Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images
Ty Simpson is a compact quarterback that displayed good pre-snap command of the offense, the ability to cycle through his progressions on pro-style concepts, and the ability to make some high-degree-of-difficulty throws downfield. Simpson has clean footwork in the pocket, aggressively tests windows to the intermediate area of the field, and operates the bootleg game like a pro. His film earlier in the season is truly exhilarating stuff that makes you want to believe, but his size and lack of experience create massive risk.
3) Garrett Nussmeier , LSU
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at the 2026 Senior Bowl on Jan 29, 2026. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now
A polished quarterback prospect thanks to being a coach's kid, Garrett Nussmeier has a good feel for the position, navigates through the pocket without dropping his eyes, and he can layer the football over defenders with anticipation to the middle of the field. From a mechanical perspective, there's a lot to like—from throwing from a good base to his compact throwing motion that leads to quality accuracy to the first two levels. With that being said, his gunslinger mentality often writes checks that he can't cash with his lack of physical tools.
4) Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Colorado Buffaloes linebacker LaVonta Bentley, right, tackles North Dakota State Bison quarterback Cole Payton during a game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, in August 2024. — Ron Chenoy / Imagn ImagesCredit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Cole Payton is a dual-threat quarterback with devastating athleticism, allowing him to act as an extension of the run game, bulldozing defenders in short yardage and red zone situations, as well as punishing defenses with his scrambling ability. Payton is a lefty who makes good decisions, has unique improvisational skills for second reaction plays, and was lights out on deep throws last season in the FCS (67.9% adjusted completion rate). There could be a Taysom Hill-esque path for him to contribute in the league even if he never develops into a guy that can win from the pocket.
5) Cade Klubnik , Clemson
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) in a game against Pitt on November 16, 2024 David Hague / Pittsburgh Sports Now
A mobile quarterback with a quick release and an elastic arm, capable of altering his arm angles and making off-platform throws with pressure in his vicinity, Cade Klubnik has light feet to bounce around in the pocket to find throwing windows, throws with good touch away from defenders' leverage, and keeps the offense on schedule by minimizing negative plays. Overall, his game is more reminiscent of a trustworthy backup as opposed to a starter worth building the roster around.
6) Drew Allar , Penn State
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in a game against Villanova on Sept. 13, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
A sturdy signal caller with a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder, Drew Allar could never quite put it all together at Penn State from an accuracy and consistency standpoint, particularly versus top competition.
7) Carson Beck , Miami
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Fla. — Nathan Ray Seebeck / Imagn Images
A battle-tested veteran of 55 collegiate games between Georgia and Miami, Carson Beck plays with good rhythm and anticipation from the pocket, but a limited arm and inability to play in muddy pockets make for a difficult transition.
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8) Taylen Green , Arkansas
Taylen Green, Arkansas Athletics
An athletic freak with the speed to crush pursuit angles and elusiveness to make the first guy miss in the open field, Taylen Green can also be a very shaky decision maker that must learn to speed up his process in order to survive.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : DB's Big Board: Ranking Top QBs in 2026 NFL Draft
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