VOL.2: The 2026 Quarterback Class Is The Most Interesting In Years

Every year, the fall season is a catalyst for the best time in sports. The MLB postseason is on the rise, the NFL and NHL are starting to kick off and college football has just begun. We are in Week 12 of the college football season and we have seen many unexpected players rise and fall. Some of the biggest disappointing teams this season are Texas, Clemson and Penn State. Some of the biggest underdogs this year have been Indiana, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt. Outside of teams, there have been lots of surprises regarding the quarterback position. The 2025 draft class was considered “weak” when it came to the quarterback position, but strong in other areas, especially in the trenches. This resulted in only two quarterbacks being drafted in the first round. This is only the second time since 2015 when two or fewer quarterbacks were drafted in the first round (the first was in 2022 when Kenny Pickett was the sole quarterback drafted in the first round). 

Another reason for NFL teams’ reluctance to draft a quarterback in the 2025 draft was the belief that the 2026 draft class would offer a plethora of instant-starting-caliber quarterbacks. Names such as Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik were all projected first-round picks, while guys like Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers, who are eligible to stay in school for another year, were deemed locks for the first round if they chose to declare for this year’s draft. This season has not been kind to these guaranteed studs, as those who will declare for the draft have seen their stock plummet, and those who had the option to return to school are likely grateful for that opportunity. 

While the supposed “elite tier” has struggled, several quarterbacks have done the opposite by turning this season into a breakout campaign and forcing their way into the draft conversation. These were not the preseason headliners, but week by week, they have shown poise, efficiency and high-end traits that scouts will notice. 

One of the biggest risers has been Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who has quietly put together one of the most efficient passing seasons in the country.  A transfer from California, Mendoza already had positive buzz, however, he has elevated his game to the next level. Not only is he raising his draft stock (second-highest odds at the first overall pick), but he has also changed the program at Indiana. Indiana is currently ranked second in the polls, only behind reigning champions Ohio State. At 6’5, 225 lbs, he has the prototypical size that NFL coaches will gush over. He has demonstrated a quick release, elite ball placement and a willingness to stand tall in the pocket and take hits. He also has one of the strongest arms in the class and can fit passes into tight windows; all of these traits make him a feasible candidate for the first overall pick.

Another quarterback whose draft stock has risen is Ty Simpson out of Alabama. Many were shocked when he was declared the starter for Week one, however, he has proven he was easily the right choice. Playing for the Crimson Tide is a challenging task, to say the least. There will be a lot of pressure and criticism for the slightest flaws, however, Simpson has been poised all season and not given doubters any holes to pick at. Another quarterback with a strong arm, Simpson displays high-caliber accuracy, quick processing and mobility. His only true knock is his limited experience, as this is his first, and most likely only, year starting college; however, we see teams take risks on project and underexperienced quarterbacks all the time. 

Together, both Mendoza and Simpson have reshaped the narrative of the 2026 class. What was once expected to be a class headlined by preseason stars has turned into a battlefield for unexpected contenders. And with rivalry games, conference championships and bowl season still ahead, anything could happen for these two stars and other quarterbacks who have drawn attention.