The 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Landscape: A Glimpse into the Future
The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, with teams gearing up to select the next generation of football stars. While the 2024 draft was overflowing with quarterback talent, including multiple Heisman Trophy winners and prolific college performers, the 2025 class appears less certain at the quarterback position. This year, only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are widely considered likely first-round picks, leaving quarterback-hungry teams potentially waiting another year for a true franchise signal-caller. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be a quarterback bonanza, with several high-profile prospects vying for the top spots.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 quarterback class is palpable, with scouts and analysts already dissecting game film and projecting potential. While a lot can change in the course of a college football season, early indications suggest a diverse and exciting group of quarterbacks with a range of skill sets and potential. Let’s delve into five of the most intriguing quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft:
1. Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns): The Legacy Continues
The name Manning carries immense weight in NFL circles. Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, represents the third generation of quarterbacking royalty aiming to make their mark on the league. He enters the 2025 season as a true junior, with immense hype surrounding his potential to lead the Longhorns deep into the College Football Playoff.
Manning showcased glimpses of his talent in 2024, appearing in 10 games and completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also demonstrated his mobility, rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries. At 20 years old this fall, his pocket presence, athleticism, quick release, anticipation, touch, and overall poise are remarkably advanced.
The burning question is whether Manning will declare for the 2026 draft or return for his senior year. Many NFL teams are undoubtedly hoping he will make the leap, eager to secure a prospect with his pedigree and potential. His performance in the 2025 season will be pivotal in solidifying his draft stock and determining his ultimate decision.
2. Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions): Size, Strength, and Refined Skill
Drew Allar had the option to enter the 2025 draft and potentially garner first-round attention. However, he wisely chose to return to Penn State for another season to further hone his skills. Allar boasts exceptional size at 6-foot-5 and 243 lbs., coupled with elite arm strength, drawing comparisons to NFL MVP Josh Allen.
Under a new offensive coordinator in 2024, Allar demonstrated significant improvements in accuracy and decision-making. His ability to avoid turnovers is also highly valued by NFL scouts, as he set an FBS record with 311 pass attempts without an interception to start his college career.
In 2024, Allar completed 262 of 394 passes (66.5%) for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also added 302 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 96 carries. If he continues to progress on his current trajectory, Allar is poised to be a sure-fire first-round pick, potentially even a top-five selection.
3. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks): Explosive Athleticism and Arm Talent
LaNorris Sellers is poised to become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football in 2025. He possesses a powerful 6-foot-3, 242-pound frame, combined with exceptional athleticism, reportedly clocking a 4.4-second 40-yard dash.
Sellers possesses a cannon arm with a clean and efficient throwing motion. His athleticism makes him a constant dual-threat, while his processing speed and pocket presence are already advanced for a redshirt sophomore, potentially due to his background in soccer.
Despite having only one season as a starter in 2024, Sellers impressed, completing 196 of 299 passes (65.6%) for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 674 yards and seven touchdowns on 166 carries. The addition of talented wide receiver Nyck Harbor in 2025 further enhances Seller’s potential. If he can refine his touch and maximize his arm talent, he could easily be a top-five pick. Like Manning, Sellers is young enough that he could decide to return to school for another year instead of declaring for the draft.
4. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers): Gunslinger Mentality with Untapped Potential
Garrett Nussmeier took over the reins for Jayden Daniels in 2024, providing LSU fans with an exciting but inconsistent performance. Nussmeier possesses the arm talent and aggressive mentality to attack defenses vertically, as evidenced by leading the SEC in completions (337), attempts (525), and interceptions (12) in 2024.
The interceptions highlight his risk-taking nature, which he must address in 2025. However, he excels at throwing under pressure, on the move, and with anticipation. Concerns exist about his slender 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, which he needs to bulk up.
Nussmeier’s 2025 season is crucial for his draft prospects. If he can improve his decision-making and reading defenses, he has the potential to be a first-round talent. He also has the benefit of having his father, Doug Nussmeier, as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, providing valuable insight and mentorship.
5. Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers): Dual-Threat with a Prototypical Build
Nico Iamaleava shares similarities with Sellers as a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm. He boasts a taller frame at 6-foot-6, enhancing his field vision. Despite his size, he possesses a quick release and can throw from various arm angles while on the move.
Like Sellers, Iamaleava only has one year of starting experience but performed well in that lone year. He completed 213 of 334 passes (63.8%) for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 358 yards and three touchdowns on 109 carries.
His size and arm talent invite comparisons to Justin Herbert. Concerns revolve around his frame at 215 lbs., inconsistent footwork, and telegraphing throws. If he can refine these aspects, NFL teams will be eager to draft him after his junior season.
The 2026 NFL Draft is still a long way off, and these quarterback prospects have plenty of time to develop and improve. However, the early glimpses of talent and potential suggest a compelling and exciting quarterback class that will undoubtedly capture the attention of NFL teams and fans alike. The college football season will be closely scrutinized as these quarterbacks battle for supremacy and position themselves for a future in the NFL. The race to be the top quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft is officially on.
