2026 NFL Draft Quarterbacks to Watch: Arch Manning & LaNorris Sellers Lead a Deep, Dynamic Class

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class enters the season without a consensus QB1—but that could change in a hurry. If Arch Manning declares, he’s the clear-cut top prospect. If not, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU currently holds the edge with a strong blend of experience, arm talent, and pedigree. Either way, this class may rival 2024 in volume—and possibly impact. In the 2024 NFL Draft, six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, tying the legendary 1983 class. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye went 1-2-3, with J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. also hearing their names called on Day 1. After a relative drop in QB talent in 2025, this year’s crop brings renewed hope for teams seeking future franchise signal-callers. This 2026 group is deep, athletically diverse, and loaded with upside. From the physical tools of LaNorris Sellers to the poised, polished Sam Leavitt and the developmental promise of Drew Allar and Fernando Mendoza, this isn’t just a watchlist—it’s a roadmap to the next wave of potential NFL star quarterbacks. Below are the QBs to watch in 2025 Below, we evaluate the top names to know, breaking down each quarterback’s measurables, system fit, draft projection, and current grade as we head into the 2025 college football season. Arch Manning, Texas Ht/Wt:  6'4", 220 lbs Class:  R-Sophomore Grade:  High-End Starter Potential Analysis:  Arch Manning enters 2025 as one of the most naturally talented quarterbacks in the country. In limited action last season, he completed 68% of his passes for 939 yards, 9 TDs, and just 2 INTs. His poise, off-script creativity, and feel for play-action make him an ideal fit in a modern pro-style system. With more live reps and refined anticipation, he has the upside to rise into the top-10 discussion. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Ht/Wt:  6'2", 200 lbs Class:  R-Junior Grade:  Mid-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  Nussmeier passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 TDs in 2024, showing off a strong arm, confidence from structure, and vertical accuracy. His footwork and decision-making under pressure still need refinement, but the pedigree and arm talent make him an intriguing mid to late day one prospect. Drew Allar, Penn State Ht/Wt:  6'5", 240 lbs Class:  Junior Grade:  Mid-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  A former 5-star with prototype size and arm strength, Allar showed flashes of high-end play in 2024 but battled inconsistency. His footwork and intermediate accuracy remain works in progress. With a big year in 2025, Allar could elevate himself into the top 10-15 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Ht/Wt:  6'2", 200 lbs Class:  R-Sophomore Grade:  Mid-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  Leavitt led Arizona State to a Big 12 title and CFP berth in 2024, passing for 2,885 yards and 24 TDs with elite ball security. He’s a mobile, rhythm-based thrower with advanced pocket feel and dual-threat juice. If the intermediate ball placement improves, he’s a potential top-50 pick. Carson Beck, Miami Ht/Wt:  6'4", 220 lbs Class:  Senior Grade:  Mid-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  After transferring from Georgia, Beck will look to boost his stock as Miami’s starter in 2025. He’s a rhythm passer with full-field processing and strong anticipation, but his efficiency collapses under pressure. A bounce-back year could make him a Day 2 system fit. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Ht/Wt:  6'2", 205 lbs Class:  Senior Grade:  Mid-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  Klubnik brings 37 games of experience, dual-threat ability, and clean mechanics to the table. He totaled 3,639 passing yards and 36 TDs last year, but his turnover issues and inconsistent reads still cloud his projection. If he sharpens his processing, NFL teams might be willing to take a chance on the upside in the mid to late first round. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Ht/Wt:  6'5", 225 lbs Class:  R-Junior Grade:  Low-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  A transfer from Cal, Mendoza is a tall, structured pocket passer with very good arm strength and vertical touch. He thrives in play-action and layered RPO concepts but must fix footwork inconsistencies under pressure. With cleaner mechanics, he could rise quickly into the late day one or early day two conversation. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Ht/Wt:  6'3", 242 lbs Class:  R-Sophomore Grade:  Low-Level Starter Potential Analysis:  Sellers is a rare athlete with elite size, arm strength, and rushing production (674 yards, 7 TDs). He flashed explosive dual-threat ability in 2024 but must improve timing, turnover control, and post-snap processing. If it all clicks, his physical profile alone could push him into the first round conversation. Rocco Becht, Iowa State Ht/Wt:  6'1", 210 lbs Class:  R-Junior Grade:  Low-Level Starter Potential (6th–7th Round Projection) Analysis:  Becht led Iowa State to 11 wins and threw 25 TDs in 2024, operating with veteran poise and precision. He’s not flashy, but he processes quickly, stays on schedule, and protects the football. While he lacks elite traits, he’s a steady system-ready QB who could sneak into Day 2 with another strong year.