As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has unveiled his list of the top 14 quarterback prospects, spotlighting rising stars who could shape the future of the league. Central to this discussion is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, widely regarded as the clear No. 1 pick due to his exceptional 2025 season. This ranking includes record-setting award winners and potential dual-threat talents with varying but impactful skill sets, heightening anticipation among NFL teams and enthusiasts alike.
Fernando Mendoza Emerges as Clear First Overall Pick
Leading the rankings is Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, whose 2025 campaign garnered nationwide recognition. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza dominated by winning the Heisman Trophy and guiding Indiana to their inaugural National Championship. He amassed 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, while also rushing for seven touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and leadership on the field. His Miami roots combined with this breakout year firmly place him as the No. 1 overall selection in April’s draft.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson Rises as Strong Second Pick Candidate
Ty Simpson, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound pocket passer from Alabama, ranks second on Kiper’s list. After patiently waiting three years, Simpson took the starting role in 2025 and delivered an impressive season with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Though some experts believe another college year could refine his skills further, Simpson’s decision to enter the draft reflects confidence in his readiness. Alabama’s future direction appears to lean toward newcomer Keelon Russell, which may have influenced Simpson’s draft declaration.
Trinidad Chambliss Shakes Up Expectations at Ole Miss
The third spot belongs to Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss, who made a remarkable leap this season. Initially a Division II transfer and presumed backup, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound signal-caller seized the starting role due to injury and transformed the Rebels’ offense into an explosive unit. Chambliss finished with 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, adding 527 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. While his draft availability hinges on eligibility appeals, if forced to enter, he is projected to be a notable name in the 2026 class.
Drew Allar’s High Potential Threatened by Setbacks at Penn State
At No. 4, Drew Allar of Penn State stands tall at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds. Heading into 2025, Allar was widely considered a top QB prospect and could have entered the 2025 NFL Draft. He opted instead for one more collegiate season, aiming for a National Championship. However, the year unfolded with difficulties, including a coaching change following head coach James Franklin’s dismissal and an injury to Allar himself. Nevertheless, his career college stat line of 61 passing touchdowns to 13 interceptions still marks him as a prospect with considerable upside for 2026.
Carson Beck’s Transfer to Miami Sparks Fresh Hopes
Carson Beck, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, rounds out the top five after moving from Georgia to Miami for the 2025 season. Once considered for the 2025 draft, Beck’s trajectory shifted following a UCL injury just before the College Football Playoffs. He rebounded by throwing for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in Miami’s Cinderella run to the National Championship game. Known as a polished pocket passer, Beck now aims to solidify his draft standing, with scouts closely watching his NFL Combine performance.
Garrett Nussmeier Faces Draft Stock Challenges After Injury
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, measured at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, had expectations to rise as a leading prospect after his 2024 performance with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, his 2025 season was derailed by injuries, culminating in an early end with just 12 touchdowns against five interceptions. LSU’s overall performance also lagged behind projections, adding pressure on Nussmeier to reestablish his value prior to the draft. His recent Senior Bowl showing provided some optimism heading into April.
Cole Payton’s Promising Impact at North Dakota State
In his first season starting for the North Dakota State Bisons, Cole Payton earned 7th place on Kiper’s board by blending dual-threat abilities at 29 total touchdowns—16 through the air and 13 on the ground—while maintaining only four turnovers. Though his production trails that of previous high NFL draftees like Carson Wentz and Trey Lance from the same program, Payton’s steady growth offers intriguing development potential in a draft viewed by many as quarterback-weak.
Sawyer Robertson Surpasses Expectations at Baylor
Ranked eighth, Sawyer Robertson is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior who impressed over two seasons with the Bears. His 2025 campaign featured 3,681 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Given these figures, some expected Robertson to be ranked among the top five quarterbacks. Upcoming at the NFL Combine, Robertson has the opportunity to gain further attention, with comparisons to established players like Dak Prescott providing encouraging examples of a promising pro trajectory.
Cade Klubnik’s Draft Prospects Dented by Recent Struggles
At number nine is Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, whose 2025 season disappointed after a strong 2024. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound QB’s touchdown tally dropped from 36 in 2024 to 16, although interceptions stayed consistent at six. This decline coincided with Clemson’s fall from playoff contention. Klubnik’s talent remains evident, but underwhelming recent performances against modest ACC competition will influence how scouts and analysts view his readiness for the next level.
Taylen Green’s Potential Makes Him a Wildcard Pick
Taylen Green from Arkansas, standing 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, earned the tenth spot with a dynamic dual-threat profile. His 2025 totals include 19 passing touchdowns, 8 rushing touchdowns, and 777 rushing yards, though offset by 11 interceptions. Green’s ability to generate yardage on the ground and in the pocket makes him an intriguing pick for teams willing to develop his raw potential, possibly rewarding those ready to take a developmental gamble.
Quarterbacks on the Cusp: Notable Prospects Just Outside the Top 14
Several quarterbacks narrowly missed the top rankings but remain under close watch as potential late-round candidates or developmental prospects. Illinois’ Luke Altmyer showed steady improvement with 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions in the Big Ten, carving out a reputation for consistency and smart decision-making. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia electrified defenses despite his 5-foot-9 stature, combining 29 passing touchdowns with 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, forming a compelling dual-threat package that heightened his draft intrigue.
Joe Fagnano from UConn is another late bloomer who posted an efficient season as a 6-foot-4, 225-pound seven-year senior. Finishing 2025 with 28 touchdowns and only one interception, Fagnano’s maturity and command yielded promising evaluation notes despite concerns over his age and lengthy college career. Similarly, Missouri State’s Jacob Clark delivered solid production with 28 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions, demonstrating a fearless approach and potential upside as a developmental player.
Overall Implications for the 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
Mel Kiper Jr.’s rankings reveal a quarterback group marked by high highs and notable volatility, reflecting a range of college experiences, skill sets, and projected NFL trajectories. While Fernando Mendoza’s dominance cements him as a franchise cornerstone, many quarterbacks listed face crucial questions regarding injury history, consistency, and potential that NFL teams will need to address through scouting, interviews, and pre-draft workouts.
The depth of dual-threat athleticism alongside traditional pocket-passing talent underscores the evolving demands on NFL signal-callers. The draft’s outcome will likely hinge on how teams value immediate readiness versus developmental upside, especially in a class where injury setbacks and eligibility battles cloud certainty. As the draft draws near, the spotlight on these quarterbacks intensifies, promising an engaging selection process that could shape NFL offenses for years to come.
