2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings Update: Top Quarterbacks Rising — Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and LaNorris Sellers Lead the Class

2026 NFL Draft QB rankings update: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and LaNorris Sellers lead a deep quarterback class. Full scouting notes and projections.

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, and as we reach the midpoint of the 2025 college football season, the quarterback picture is beginning to take shape. After a record-setting 2024 draft that saw six quarterbacks selected in the top 12 and a quieter 2025 cycle with only two first-rounders, this year’s group projects somewhere in between — deep, talented, and full of developing storylines.

Right now, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza leads the way in our early projections, followed by Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, and Dante Moore — all appearing in Round 1 of our latest Mock Draft 2.0. Carson Beck is rebuilding his stock at Miami and has played his way back into the early-round conversation.

This week’s Football Scout 365 Scouting Notebook builds off our updated Big Board Rankings, focusing on how each of these quarterbacks has evolved since the summer. The back half of the season will ultimately determine who cements their place at the top — but the early tape points to one of the most balanced and intriguing QB classes in recent years.

1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana — Round 1 Projection (Mid-Late Day 1)

Mendoza has gone from an intriguing transfer to a legitimate first-round prospect. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he fits the prototype: big arm, excellent vertical touch, and comfort operating from the pocket. Indiana’s RPO-heavy system has showcased his quick decision-making and leverage-based accuracy, particularly in the red zone, where he leads the FBS in touchdowns.

What stands out most is Mendoza’s poise. He’s calm under pressure and decisive from structure, though his accuracy dips when forced to throw off-platform. He’ll need to tighten lower-body mechanics to reach his ceiling, but the growth from Cal to Indiana has been dramatic. Right now, he’s playing his way into the mid-to-late first-round range and trending up.

2) Dante Moore, Oregon — Round 1 Projection (Under Review, Trending Day 1)

Few players have elevated their draft profile faster than Dante Moore. After transferring from UCLA and sitting a year behind Dillon Gabriel, Moore has flourished in Will Stein’s offense. Through five games, he’s thrown for 1,210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception while completing over 74 percent of his passes.

Moore’s rhythm, accuracy, and calm under fire are reminiscent of a young C.J. Stroud. His ability to stay composed in loud environments—like the double-overtime win at Penn State—shows maturity beyond his age. Scouts still want a larger sample against top defenses, but the early signs point toward first-round tools and temperament.

3) LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina — Late Round 1 to Early Day 2 Projection

Sellers remains one of the most polarizing evaluations in this class. At 6-3, 240, he looks like a linebacker but moves like a running back, combining raw power with one of the strongest arms in college football. His off-script ability and pocket strength jump off the tape.

The issue has always been consistency—particularly post-snap processing and pacing on short throws. Sellers has cut his off-target rate nearly in half from a year ago, and his ball placement has improved. If he keeps that trajectory, he’ll move firmly into the top-10 mix. For now, his mid-level starter grade undersells his near-elite ceiling.

4) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU — Early Day 1 to Mid Day 2 Projection

Nussmeier entered the season with Round-1 buzz and has shown both the strengths and inconsistencies that define his game. He’s a confident thrower who attacks tight windows with anticipation and rhythm. LSU’s quick-hitting system limits his deep attempts, but his tape shows the arm strength and courage to challenge downfield when asked.

He can drift into hero-ball tendencies, trusting his arm too much, yet the baseline skill set—quick release, high IQ, and clean mechanics—keeps him in the day 1 conversation.

5) Carson Beck, Miami — Late Day 1 to Mid Day 2 Projection

Beck’s transfer from Georgia to Miami has revived his career. He’s rediscovered the confidence and rhythm that made him a first-round candidate a year ago. Through five games, he’s thrown for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, showing command of a timing-based passing structure that fits his style.

Beck isn’t flashy, but his footwork, accuracy, and anticipation translate cleanly to the NFL. If he sustains this level of efficiency, he could sneak back into the late-Round-1 discussion—especially given how teams value experienced, pro-ready quarterbacks.

6) John Mateer, Oklahoma — Early to Mid Day 2 Projection

Mateer’s story is about competitiveness. He was on a heater before a hand injury sidelined him, showcasing explosive dual-threat traits and fearlessness from the pocket. His numbers at Washington State in 2024 and now at Oklahoma prove he can carry an offense.

The arm talent is real, but so is the volatility. Mateer thrives in chaos, sometimes too much—his footwork and tempo can get wild, leading to scattershot accuracy. Still, his playmaking instincts and leadership keep evaluators intrigued. A strong finish could push him right back into Round-2 consideration.

7) Drew Allar, Penn State — Early to Mid Day 2 Projection (Trending Down)

Allar entered the year as a possible QB1 candidate, but his stock has slipped. Despite prototypical size (6-5, 235) and one of the strongest arms in the class, his ball placement and decision-making have been inconsistent. He’s still dangerous on vertical concepts and play-action shots, yet the tape shows too many missed layups.

NFL scouts remain intrigued by the raw tools, but Allar needs signature performances against top competition to rebuild confidence. For now, he projects as a developmental prospect who could still find a home early on Day 2 thanks to traits alone.

Watchlist Quarterbacks

Ty Simpson, Alabama — Early to Mid Day 2 Projection

Simpson has quietly become one of the biggest risers of the 2025 college football season. After a shaky opener, he’s steadied Alabama’s offense with poise and precision, throwing for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns to just one interception. His 84% catchable pass rate ranks among the best in the FBS, a testament to his timing and accuracy in rhythm. Simpson’s ability to create off-script and deliver from multiple platforms has boosted his NFL projection, and scouts are beginning to believe he could climb into late-Round-1 territory if his upward trajectory continues.

Sam Leavitt, Arizona State — Early Day 3 Projection

Leavitt’s dual-threat ability continues to flash on tape. The former Michigan State transfer brings mobility, confidence, and a quick, whippy release that fits today’s spread-heavy league. He can generate explosive plays from broken structures, though his tendency to play too fast leads to risky throws. Leavitt has starting upside if he can refine his field vision and win more consistently from structure.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson — Mid to Late Day 3 Projection

Once viewed as a potential No. 1 pick, Klubnik’s evaluation has cooled. His accuracy, timing, and anticipation have been inconsistent, particularly under pressure. Despite the regression, he still owns one of the cleaner throwing motions in this class and flashes functional mobility. With more consistent footwork and decision-making, Klubnik could rebuild his stock as a developmental backup with long-term starter traits.

Taylen Green, Arkansas — Early to Mid Day 3 Projection

Green has reignited his career after transferring from Boise State, immediately taking command of the Arkansas offense. At 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, he’s one of the most physically gifted passers in the nation — posting 1,398 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and adding 441 rushing yards and two scores. His long stride and vertical acceleration stress defenses, while his arm strength allows him to attack downfield with ease.

Josh Hoover, TCU — Mid to Late Day 3 Projection

Hoover might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. A year removed from setting TCU’s single-season passing record (3,949 yards), he’s once again producing at a high level — ranking top-10 nationally in yardage with 1,517 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Hoover’s compact release and quick trigger allow him to fit throws into tight windows, and he shows advanced understanding of progressions for a college passer.