Mel Kiper Jr. Releases Updated 2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings
With the 2026 NFL Draft three weeks away, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released updated Top 10 quarterback rankings.
The top five quarterbacks in Kiper's rankings remain unchanged: Fernando Mendoza holds the number one position, followed by Ty Simpson at number two, Carson Beck is ranked third, Drew Allar fourth, and Garrett Nussmeier completes the top five.
The Unchanged Top Five
1. Fernando Mendoza - Indiana
Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana, is widely projected as the No. 1 overall selection. In the 2025 season, he recorded 41 touchdowns and 3,535 yards with 72% passing accuracy.
2. Ty Simpson - Alabama
Ty Simpson, from Alabama, is ranked second. He played one season as the Crimson Tide starter in 2015, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Analysts have compared his prospect value to Mendoza.
3. Carson Beck - Georgia/Miami
Carson Beck, who played for Georgia and Miami, is ranked third. He secured two national championships as a backup with Georgia and played for another with Miami. In 2025, he passed for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns with 72.4% completion.
4. Drew Allar - Penn State
Drew Allar from Penn State is ranked fourth. He moved up in previous rankings after his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, demonstrating recovery from a broken ankle sustained in the 2025 season. Allar possesses an NFL frame and a strong throwing arm, though his collegiate consistency has been noted.
5. Garrett Nussmeier - Son of NFL OC
Garrett Nussmeier, son of NFL offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, is fifth. His 2025 season was impacted by injuries and a coaching change, leading to 1,927 passing yards and five touchdowns in nine games. He recorded over 4,000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns in his junior year.
Rounding Out the Top 10
6. Jack Payton - North Dakota State
Below the top five, Jack Payton of North Dakota State moved to sixth in Kiper's ranking. Payton, a dual-threat quarterback, recorded a fast 40-time at the NFL Combine. In his senior season, he accumulated 3,496 total yards and 29 total touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns.
7. Jayden Green - Arkansas
Jayden Green from Arkansas is ranked seventh. He showcased athleticism at the NFL Combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical jump, and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Green recorded over 12,000 total yards and 94 total touchdowns across his time at Boise State and Arkansas. In 2025, he had 2,714 yards and 27 total touchdowns with 60.7% passing.
8. Cade Klubnik - Clemson
Cade Klubnik of Clemson holds the eighth spot. Over four seasons, Klubnik amassed more than 10,000 passing yards and 90 total touchdowns. In 2024, he achieved career bests with 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, though his team's win-loss record as a starter was 26-13, including 7-6 in 2025.
9. John Altmyer - Illinois
John Altmyer from Illinois is ranked ninth. After returning for his senior year, Altmyer achieved career-highs in 2025 with 3,007 passing yards and 22 touchdowns on 67.4% passing. He compiled a 23-12 record as the Fighting Illini's starting quarterback over three seasons.
10. Jax Robertson - Baylor
Rounding out the top ten is Jax Robertson from Baylor. Robertson, who transferred from Mississippi State in 2023, completed his first full season without significant injury in 2025. He recorded a Big 12-leading 3,681 passing yards and 31 touchdowns with 60.3% passing.