2026 NFL Draft: Early QB Outlook and Way-Too-Early Top 10 Prospect Rankings

The 2026 NFL Draft cycle is already buzzing with anticipation — especially at the quarterback position, where a group of toolsy, unproven passers offers more upside than the 2025 class, but far less certainty. From the intrigue surrounding Arch Manning to the resurgence hopes of Carson Beck, this year’s QB race is wide open and full of volatility.

Beyond the quarterbacks, the 2026 class looks particularly strong in the trenches and on defense, with elite prospects emerging along both the offensive and defensive lines. While it’s still early and much will change between now and next April, this article offers a projection-based look at the top QBs and a way-too-early Top 10 prospect list based on ceiling potential.

Here are the Top QB Prospects As Of Right Now

There’s been early optimism that the 2026 quarterback class could surpass the 2025 group in overall talent and NFL potential, and there’s some truth to that. From a tools and traits perspective, this class flashes more upside. But it’s important to remember: this conversation is almost entirely projection-based. As of now, there is no clear-cut QB1 — no Caleb Williams, no Trevor Lawrence — just a group of talented, unproven, or inconsistent passers with a lot to prove in 2025.

Arch Manning, Texas

 is the wild card with the biggest name. He’s played just nine games with two starts, but in limited reps last season, he posted an 88.0 PFF grade with six big-time throws and flashed dynamic rushing ability. His $6 million NIL valuation and the Manning family’s history of staying in school suggest he may not declare early — but if he takes a leap, he’ll be a top-three pick candidate.

Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar has the prototype frame (6’5”, 242), elite arm strength, and growing command of Penn State’s offense. He improved from 60% to 66.5% completions in 2024 and threw just 8 interceptions all year. He’ll need more consistency and help on the perimeter, but the tools are undeniable.

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

He threw for 4,043 yards in 2024 and ranked top 10 in big-time throws. He’s accurate, aggressive, and fearless in the pocket, but turnovers remain an issue. If he cuts down the mistakes and shows more poise under pressure, he’ll push for Round 1.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Took a big step forward in 2024, throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. He led all returning FBS QBs in PFF passing grade and big-time throws, but still must prove he can thrive in-structure against top defenses.

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina 

He may be the most intriguing upside play in the class. At 6’3”, 240 pounds, he ranked fifth nationally with a 95.2 PFF deep passing grade and broke 47 tackles as a runner. He’s a raw, toolsy dual-threat with sky-high potential, but he must refine his accuracy and decision-making.

Carson Beck, Miami

He is the forgotten man. Coming out of the 2023 season, he was the early favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. But after an inconsistent 2024 campaign at Georgia, Beck’s stock slid into Round 3 projection territory. Now at Miami, he gets a fresh start. He brings prototypical size, poise, and one of the quickest releases in the class. Beck operates with a strong base and can drive the ball into tight windows. If he puts together a clean, productive season in 2025, he could re-enter the Day 1 conversation — the traits are still there.

Bottom line: 

The 2026 QB class should be stronger than 2025’s, but it’s still a high-ceiling, high-variance group. The eventual QB1 may not be Arch, Allar, or Klubnik — it could be someone still developing. This race is wide open.

Other Quarterbacks to Watch

• Sam Leavitt, QB | Arizona State

• Fernando Mendoza, QB | Indiana (Cal transfer)

• Rocco Becht, QB | Iowa State

• John Mateer, QB | Oklahoma

• Mark Gronowski, QB | South Dakota State

Top 10 Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft

Below is an early ranking of the top 10 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, ordered based on ceiling potential — and it’s important to emphasize this is by no means a definitive list. Just as with the quarterbacks discussed above, the rest of the field should be viewed through the same lens: at this stage, it’s all projection.

1. Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 215 lbs

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Arch Manning is unlikely to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Manning family has a long-standing tradition of staying in school for four years, and Arch has appeared in just nine games with two starts. Still, his upside is undeniable. Across 233 snaps in 2024, he showcased high-level arm talent and underrated mobility. If he takes a significant leap in 2025, NFL teams with a need at QB will be trying to tank or do whatever they can via trade to move up.

2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 205 lbs

After transferring from Alabama, Caleb Downs helped anchor Ohio State’s national title run. He’s the most complete safety in college football — physical, instinctive, and versatile. Had he been draft-eligible in 2025, he would have graded out as an elite prospect. Over the past two seasons, he owns the second-highest PFF grade among all FBS safeties, and his 7.5 tackles for loss in 2024 ranked top-15 among defensive backs. A true back-end enforcer with top-10 upside.

3. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Ht: 6'7" | Wt: 345 lbs

Proctor returned to Alabama with something to prove after a brief stint at Iowa. He has rare size and movement skills and allowed just one pressure in 96 snaps against Georgia and South Carolina combined. With refinement, he could be the top tackle off the board.

4. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 300 lbs

A power-packed interior disruptor, Woods posted 3 sacks and a forced fumble in 2024 while playing out of position for much of the year. His near elite grade and dominance in the run game place him among the top interior defenders in the nation.

5. TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 255 lbs

Parker exploded for 11 sacks, 16.5 TFLs, and 4 forced fumbles in 2024. His ability to win with power or bend makes him a nightmare off the edge. He’s also one of only three Power Four EDGEs to post near elite grades in both pass rush and run defense.

6. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 270 lbs

With 8.5 sacks, 15 TFLs, and a monster playoff performance (including a pick-six vs. Notre Dame), DDS has rare explosiveness for his size. He’s the next great Nittany Lion pass rusher and could rise into top-10 lock status with a strong 2025.

7. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 242 lbs

Allar threw for 3,327 yards and 24 TDs in 2024 while protecting the football (only 1.5% turnover-worthy play rate). His arm strength is elite, but he needs to improve anticipation, footwork under pressure, and processing speed. Still, his ceiling remains immense.

8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 206 lbs

Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry, rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 TDs, and added 237 receiving yards in 2024. He’s explosive, slippery through tight spaces, and one of the top dual-threat backs in the country. If he repeats in 2025, round one is within reach.

9. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 330 lbs

Mauigoa started as a true freshman and is trending toward being a cornerstone tackle prospect. He allowed just one sack and one QB hit in 2024, showing improved balance and anchor strength. If he keeps developing, he could be a top-15 pick.

10. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Ht: 5'10" | Wt: 185 lbs

After transferring from USC, Branch brings elite speed and return ability to Athens. While Georgia’s offense may limit his raw stats, he’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. He had return touchdowns on both punts and kicks in 2023 and is the kind of weapon NFL offenses covet in space.