NFL · 9 hours ago

Ranking the Top 9 Quarterbacks For the 2026 NFL Draft (March 4)

Grant White

Host · Writer

The Best of the Rest
These are our Top 10 Quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft!
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
4. Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
5. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (Granted a 6th year of college eligibility)
6. Drew Allar, Penn State
7. Taylen Green, Arkansas
8. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
10. Cole Payton, North Dakota State
And, the best of the rest (sorted alphabetically). While some have mentioned they are staying in college, a lot can change between now and selection day.

Luke Altmyer
Hank Brown
Zach Calzada
Jalon Daniels
Kyle Drones
Joe Fagnano
Kevin Jennings
Haynes King
Miller Moss
Diego Pavia
Drew Pin
Kaiden Salter
Blake Shapen
Jeff Sims
Matt Sluka
Gunner Stockton
Preston Stone
Tyler Van Dyke
Connor Weigman
NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings
The NFL season is behind us, meaning the draft and free agency will take center stage over the coming months.

As usual, SportsGrid is running through our pre-combine player rankings, starting with the most important position on the field.

There aren't a ton of quarterback-needy teams. Still, a deep draft class and some intriguing prospects could force some teams into bringing in a young up-and-comer to elevate their quarterback rooms.

These are our top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft!
1. Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft Profile
- College: Indiana
- Class: RS-Junior
- Hometown: Miami, FL
Like several high-profile quarterbacks in recent years, Fernando Mendoza went from a relative unknown to the top of the NFL Draft board. The redshirt junior led his Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect season, capping off his achievements with a Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. Assuredly, Mendoza's name will be the first one called in Pittsburgh.

Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
2. Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson NFL Draft Profile
- College: Alabama
- Class: RS-Junior
- Hometown: Martin, TN
Ty Simpson isn't the most glamorous prospect in this year's class, but he does have one of the most intriguing profiles. He's a pocket quarterback with above-average arm strength and elite accuracy. Simpson makes astute reads and can get out and make things happen when the pocket collapses. We're betting he's snatched up in the first round.

Ty Simpson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 211 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
Ty Simpson's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
3. Garrett Nussmeier
Garrett Nussmeier NFL Draft Profile
- College: LSU
- Class: RS-Senior
- Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
If teams are willing to look past Garrett Nussmeier's sub-optimal senior season, they'll find a treasure trove of talent and film. The LSU product was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. Any team that takes a chance on him in Round 2 or 3 will be rewarded with an NFL-caliber quarterback hungry to climb the ranks.

Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 3/8"
Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
4. Carson Beck
Carson Beck NFL Draft Profile
- College: Miami (FL)
- Class: Sixth-Year Senior
- Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Carson Beck isn't getting the NFL hype he deserves. The sixth-year senior won at every stop and has the prototypical quarterback build. There's an argument to be made that he would have gone early in the 2025 NFL Draft, and we're betting he doesn't slip past the end of Round 3 before finding his new landing spot.

Carson Beck's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 233 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Carson Beck's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5. Drew Allar
Drew Allar NFL Draft Profile
- College: Penn State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Medina, OH
On physical stature alone, many teams will be lining up Drew Allar for pre-draft interviews. However, there will be many questions about his dampened results. Allar struggled in 2025, showing signs of inaccuracy and being overwhelmed by mediocre defenses. If he proves that he's willing to learn and adapt at the NFL level, he could be one of the premier dark horses in the draft.

Drew Allar's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 228 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
Drew Allar's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
6. Taylen Green
Taylen Green NFL Draft Profile
- College: Arkansas
- Class: Fifth-Year Senior
- Hometown: Lewisville, TX
Whichever team drafts Taylen Green is getting the premier dual-threat quarterback available. The 6'6" monster has shown that he's capable of throwing into tight windows, but also using his athletic frame to escape pressure and get out for extended runs. Don't be surprised if a team moves up in the middle rounds to nab Green.

Taylen Green's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 227 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 34 3/4"
Taylen Green's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.36
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 43.5”
- Broad Jump: 11’2”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
7. Sawyer Robertson
Sawyer Robertson NFL Draft Profile
- College: Baylor
- Class: RS-Senior
- Hometown: Lubbock, TX
Sawyer Robertson has spent the past two seasons orchestrating the Baylor Bears' offense, and there are plenty of highlights. The Texas native threw for over 3,000 yards in each season, tallying 31 touchdown passes as a senior. Despite his passing prowess, accuracy has been an issue at times, and he can get a little reckless, as evidenced by his 12 interceptions in 2025.

Sawyer Robertson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 216 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
Sawyer Robertson's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.64
- 10-Yard Split: 1.61
- Vertical Jump: 37.5”
- Broad Jump: 10’3”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.45
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.46
- Bench Press: n/a
8. Cade Klubnik
Cade Klubnik NFL Draft Profile
- College: Clemson
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Austin, TX
Cade Klubnik's stock fell in 2025. The Texas native was coming off his best collegiate campaign, but failed to reach the lofty heights he set as a junior. There's still a lot to like about Klubnik, but if he couldn't steady the Clemson ship, what chance does he have of being an impact player in the NFL?

Cade Klubnik's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 207 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Cade Klubnik's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9. Cole Payton
Cole Payton NFL Draft Profile
- College: North Dakota State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Omaha, NE
Virtually every year, we have to talk about the latest passing prodigy to come out of North Dakota State. This year, that distinction belongs to Cole Payton. The left-handed quarterback was a revelation, throwing for over 3,000 yards while adding 13 rushing touchdowns. His profile sounds eerily similar to that of some of his predecessors, and some teams will be willing to bet he can deliver similar results in the NFL.

Cole Payton's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 232 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 31 5/8"
Cole Payton's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.56
- 10-Yard Split: 1.57
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 10’10”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.12
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
- Bench Press: n/a
NFL Combine: 40-Yard Time
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (QB08) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback 40-Yard Dash Results
- Taylen Green (Arkansas): 4.36 Seconds
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 4.46 Seconds
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 4.56 Seconds
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 4.64 Seconds
- Jalon Daniels (Kansas): 4.65 Seconds
- Luke Altmyer (Illinois): 4.72 Seconds
- Joe Fagnano (Connecticut): 4.83 Seconds
NFL Combine: Split Time
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (QB08) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback 10-Yard Split Results
- Taylen Green (Arkansas): 1.55 Seconds
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 1.56 Seconds
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 1.57 Seconds
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 1.61 Seconds
- Jalon Daniels (Kansas): 1.63 Seconds
- Luke Altmyer (Illinois): 1.66 Seconds
- Joe Fagnano (Connecticut): 1.67 Seconds
NFL Combine: Vert
North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton (QB15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback Vertical Jump Results
- Taylen Green (Arkansas): 43.50"
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 40.00"
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 37.50"
- Joe Fagnano (Connecticut): 35.00"
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 33.50"
- Luke Altmyer (Illinois): 32.00"
NFL Combine: BJ
Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson (QB16) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback Broad Jump Results
- Taylen Green (Arkansas): 11'2"
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 10'10"
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 10'3"
- Joe Fagnano (Connecticut): 9'10"
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 9'8"
- Luke Altmyer (Illinois): 9'6"
NFL Combine: 3-Cone
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (QB09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback 3-Cone Drill Results
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 6.89 Seconds
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 7.12 Seconds
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 7.45 Seconds
NFL Combine: Short Shuttle
UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano (QB07) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterback 20-Yard Shuttle Results
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 4.17 Seconds
- Joe Fagnano (Connecticut): 4.35 Seconds
- Cole Payton (North Dakota State): 4.36 Seconds
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): 4.46 Seconds
The Best of the Rest
These are our Top 10 Quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft!
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
4. Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
5. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (Granted a 6th year of college eligibility)
6. Drew Allar, Penn State
7. Taylen Green, Arkansas
8. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
10. Cole Payton, North Dakota State
And, the best of the rest (sorted alphabetically). While some have mentioned they are staying in college, a lot can change between now and selection day.

Luke Altmyer
Hank Brown
Zach Calzada
Jalon Daniels
Kyle Drones
Joe Fagnano
Kevin Jennings
Haynes King
Miller Moss
Diego Pavia
Drew Pin
Kaiden Salter
Blake Shapen
Jeff Sims
Matt Sluka
Gunner Stockton
Preston Stone
Tyler Van Dyke
Connor Weigman
NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings
The NFL season is behind us, meaning the draft and free agency will take center stage over the coming months.

As usual, SportsGrid is running through our pre-combine player rankings, starting with the most important position on the field.

There aren't a ton of quarterback-needy teams. Still, a deep draft class and some intriguing prospects could force some teams into bringing in a young up-and-comer to elevate their quarterback rooms.

These are our top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft!