5 Quarterbacks Everyone’s Watching in the 2026 NFL Draft
From high-profile names with NFL ties to late risers coming from smaller schools, the quarterback group sure has range. Some are raw, others are polished, and a few could explode with the right coach. Everyone’s got questions. These 5 QBs have a shot to answer them—and maybe change their futures forever.
Arch Manning – Texas
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Arch Manning enters the 2026 draft conversation with the spotlight already built in. The Texas passer has prototypical size, calm mechanics, and the mobility modern offenses love. Evaluators are watching his full-season command and how he handles pressure looks. If production matches pedigree, he projects as a legitimate early-round option.
Drew Allar – Penn State
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Drew Allar brings size and arm strength that NFL scouts consistently prioritize. The Penn State quarterback flashes high-level velocity on deep outs and vertical routes. Decision-making and anticipation have improved with experience. A steady senior campaign that limits turnovers could firmly place him among the top quarterbacks eligible for 2026.
Ty Simpson – Alabama
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Ty Simpson is a rising 2026 quarterback prospect from Alabama with solid throwing accuracy and arm talent. He’s on many draft boards and expected to get significant attention at the Combine and in pre-draft evaluations. His SEC experience provides NFL teams with valuable game tape to study.
Garrett Nussmeier – LSU
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Garrett Nussmeier enters the 2026 draft cycle with SEC experience and a strong football background. The LSU quarterback flashed arm talent and confidence, even as injuries interrupted parts of his 2025 campaign. Scouts still view him as a potential mid-round selection, especially if pre-draft workouts reinforce his upside and command.
Cade Klubnik – Clemson
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Cade Klubnik remains firmly in the 2026 quarterback mix after another season leading Clemson. His accuracy on timing routes and ability to extend plays keep evaluators interested. If his late-season tape and offseason workouts impress, Klubnik could strengthen his standing among the top eligible quarterbacks in this draft class.