2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Who Is the QB1?

2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings Update: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the new QB1, while Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Carson Beck, and Garrett Nussmeier battle for position in a deep, evolving quarterback class.

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback race is heating up, and as we reach the midpoint of the 2025 college football season, the top of the board looks very different from what it did in the summer.

What started as a battle between Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier during the early scouting cycle has shifted dramatically. Fast-forward to mid-October, and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the new front-runner — while Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Carson Beck, and Nussmeier are all fighting for positioning just behind him.

The 2026 QB class looks deeper and more balanced than the 2025 crop, but without a consensus star like we saw in 2024. There’s a mix of polish, projection, and potential, and the next two months will decide who rises into solid first-round territory — and who fades into Day 2.

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.

QB1: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana — Stock Up (Round 1 Projection)

Mendoza has gone from under-the-radar transfer to legitimate first-round prospect and the current QB1 on the Football Scout 365 Big Board. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he checks every measurable box: size, arm strength, poise, and leadership.

Indiana’s RPO-heavy system has unlocked his timing and leverage-based accuracy, especially in the red zone, where he leads the FBS in touchdown efficiency. His biggest growth area since his Cal days is poise — he’s learned to stay on rhythm under pressure and deliver from structure.

While he’s not a dynamic runner, he’s athletic enough to extend plays and keep his eyes downfield. In our latest Mock Draft 2.0, Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Saints, a perfect scheme fit for Kellen Moore’s offense.

QB2–QB3 Battle: Nussmeier, Beck, Moore, Sellers — Stock Up & Down

The race for QB2 is wide open, and several names are jockeying for position behind Mendoza.

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) entered the year with first-round expectations and has shown flashes of elite arm talent and vertical aggression. He’s a fearless thrower who thrives in rhythm but can veer into “hero-ball” mode when pressing. His five early interceptions and eight turnover-worthy plays are signs of the volatility that still defines his game — but the upside remains high.

Carson Beck (Miami) has been the biggest riser since September. After transferring from Georgia, he’s looked more confident and efficient, completing 74% of his passes with 11 touchdowns through five games. His footwork, anticipation, and clean mechanics make him one of the most pro-ready passers in this class. Beck fits the mold of a Shanahan or McVay-style system quarterback who wins with precision and timing.

Dante Moore (Oregon) continues to climb as well. After transferring from UCLA and sitting behind Dillon Gabriel last year, Moore looks far more mature and decisive under Will Stein’s play-calling. He’s completed 74% of his throws with 14 touchdowns and just one pick — and while he’s still developing, his pocket calmness and field vision flash NFL starter traits.

Then there’s LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), perhaps the most polarizing prospect of the group. At 6-3, 240, he’s built like a linebacker but moves like a running back. Sellers’ improvement in accuracy (cutting his off-target rate nearly in half) is encouraging, but his post-snap processing and short-game pacing still need refinement. The ceiling is enormous — and so is the learning curve.

If Sellers or Moore stay in school for another season, they could headline the 2027 QB class. But if they declare, both project as high-upside Day 1 or early Day 2 picks.

Stock Watch: Risers and Fallers

While Mendoza, Beck, and Moore are trending upward, others have seen their stock take a serious hit.

Drew Allar (Penn State) has dropped significantly. After starting the season with QB1 hype, inconsistency, and a season-ending injury have further derailed his campaign.

Cade Klubnik (Clemson) has suffered a similar fall. Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, his timing and anticipation have evaporated under pressure, and the Clemson offense hasn’t helped. Klubnik still has the tools, but right now, he looks more like a mid-day two, early-day 3 project than a franchise cornerstone.

On the flip side, Ty Simpson (Alabama) is climbing fast. After a rough opener, Simpson has rebounded with 16 touchdowns to just one interception, completing 84% of his catchable passes. He’s showing maturity, poise, and an ability to operate on time — exactly what NFL evaluators look for in a Year 1 starter.

The Current QB Rankings (Mid-Season Update)

1️⃣ Fernando Mendoza, Indiana — QB1 (Round 1 Projection)

2️⃣ Garrett Nussmeier, LSU — QB2 (Early Day 1–Mid Day 2)

3️⃣ Carson Beck, Miami — QB3 (Late Day 1–Early Day 2)

4️⃣ Dante Moore, Oregon — QB4 (Round 1–Day 2 Borderline)

5️⃣ LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina — QB5 (Late Day 1–Early Day 2)