2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Class: Mendoza Leads, Simpson Rises Amidst Divergent Views

The landscape for the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Draft quarterback class is beginning to take shape, with Fernando Mendoza currently positioned as the consensus top prospect. However, evaluations from analysts and NFL teams show a range of opinions, particularly regarding Mendoza and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. This class, along with the 2027 cohort, is anticipated to be stronger than the 2025 class, which has been evaluated as having less high-end talent.

Overview of the 2026 Quarterback Class

A consensus NFL Draft board, which aggregates rankings from various experts, has been updated following the conclusion of the college football season. This board provides an overview of how top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft are currently viewed.

Fernando Mendoza is ranked as QB1 for the 2026 NFL Draft class and is also considered among its top overall players. Ty Simpson is ranked as QB2 and 26th overall on the consensus board, a decline from his previous No. 5 overall ranking and QB1 designation in November.

NFL teams consistently evaluate quarterback situations, which are significant factors in roster construction. While the 2025 NFL Draft class for quarterbacks has been largely evaluated as having limited high-end talent, the college football quarterback classes projected for 2026 and 2027 are anticipated to be significantly stronger, offering numerous potential high-caliber prospects.

The 2026 and 2027 quarterback classes are projected to be significantly stronger than the 2025 class, offering numerous potential high-caliber prospects.

This group includes players who opted to remain in college for additional seasons, such as Dante Moore (Oregon) and Trinidad Chambliss (Mississippi). Draft-eligible underclassmen generally have a January 23 deadline to declare for the upcoming NFL Draft, a decision that influences eligibility for subsequent classes.

Leading Prospects: Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson

• Height: 6-foot-5
• 2025 Season Performance: Completed 72% of passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
• Accomplishments: Led Indiana to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2025, winning the Heisman Trophy.
• Experience: Has two years of starting experience across Cal and Indiana.

• Height: 6-foot-1
• 2025 Season Performance: Completed 64.5% of passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also recorded 93 rushing yards.
• Experience: Completed his first year as a starter for Alabama, previously serving as a backup to Jalen Milroe.
• Context: Experienced an inconsistent season.

Expert Analysis and Divergent Views

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has presented an alternative perspective on the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, identifying Ty Simpson as superior to Fernando Mendoza, despite Mendoza's Heisman Trophy and national championship. Orlovsky conveyed this view on ESPN's "Get Up," citing specific aspects of Simpson's play.

• Team Contribution: Orlovsky argued that Simpson was required to "do more with less" to contribute to his Alabama team compared to Mendoza at Indiana, who played for a national championship team.
• Composure Under Pressure: Simpson is described as more consistent in "moments of panic" and less prone to immediately resorting to running, which Orlovsky attributes to Mendoza.
• NFL-Style Throws: Orlovsky stated that Simpson was asked to execute more complex "NFL-style throws," such as 15-25 yard in routes, crossing routes, and deep corner/sail routes.
• Comparative Strengths: Orlovsky noted that Mendoza is comparable or stronger in downfield throws (posts and go routes), RPO-focused offenses, and throwing on the move.
• Draft Stock Factors: Orlovsky suggested Simpson's lower draft projection is primarily due to his limited experience (15 college starts compared to Mendoza's 34) and his height (6-foot-1 versus Mendoza's 6-foot-5).

Orlovsky also addressed criticism that he was influenced by agencies to diminish Mendoza's draft stock, denying these accusations and stating there was "no ulterior motive."

Dan Orlovsky suggested he would prefer Ty Simpson in the 15-20 draft range over Fernando Mendoza at pick 1, citing Simpson's ability to "do more with less" and execute complex "NFL-style throws."

NFL Team Interest and Draft Projections

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum indicates that some NFL teams rank Simpson higher than Mendoza on their internal draft boards. Conversely, the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall pick, currently appear to favor Mendoza, with coach Klint Kubiak noting Mendoza's national championship win.

CBS Sports mock drafts consistently project Mendoza as the first overall pick. Simpson's draft position varies significantly across these mock drafts, with some writers placing him in the first round and others outside of it. Simpson is anticipated to be a noteworthy prospect during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23 in Pittsburgh.

Other Promising Future Quarterback Prospects

Beyond Mendoza and Simpson, numerous other quarterbacks are projected for future drafts, contributing to the anticipated depth of the 2026 and 2027 classes. These include:

• Arch Manning (Texas)
• Sam Leavitt (LSU)
• Darian Mensah (Miami)
• Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech)
• Josh Hoover
• LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
• John Mateer (Oklahoma)
• Jayden Maiava
• Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
• Rocco Becht (Penn State)
• Conner Weigman (Houston), pending health and performance
• Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State)
• CJ Carr (Notre Dame)

The potential depth and talent across these upcoming classes could lead to a notable increase in first-round selections for quarterbacks.