2026 NFL Draft Bible: Quarterbacks

The Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Quarterback Big Board and scouting reports are now available.

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OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QUARTERBACKS

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class arrives with less fanfare than previous years. However, the NFL still remains a supply and demand league when it comes to the most important position in all of sports. Hence, expect to see several signal-callers receive a slight bump up on draft boards due to so many QB-needy organizations.

It has widely been assumed for months now that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will wind up as the No.1 overall selection to the Las Vegas Raiders. With Las Vegas part-owner Tom Brady, new head coach Klint Kubiak and recently hired quarterback coach Mike Sullivan, the Heisman Trophy winner will be surrounded by an excellent support staff. With prototype size, keen decision-making, a strong arm and proven experience on the biggest of stages, Mendoza should immediately seize the starting job and develop into a top-end starter.

There have been mixed vibes as to just how high Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will land. The assumed second quarterback off the board, it was a tale of two seasons for Simpson, who flashed dynamic throws, tremendous anticipation and the ability to squeeze the ball into tight windows that only a handful of signal-callers can make. A midseason slump, saw his accuracy fade some but Simpson recovered to finish up the year strong. The biggest question mark remains his lack of experience, as one-year starters historically have not fared well when making their transition to the pros. It’s possible that the enigmatic Simpson could be chosen as high as the No.2 overall pick, while others believe he could slide into the second round.

Entering the 2025 campaign, many believed that LSU rifleman Garrett Nussmeier was the premier quarterback prospect in the land. Unfortunately, preseason injuries to his patellar and torso hindered him throughout the entire season, resulting in a dip in production and much fewer downfield throws. These conditions should certainly be factored into his evaluation, as Nussmeier flashed first round traits two seasons ago. The son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, the Tigers two-year starter comes with sound fundamentals, intelligence and the ability to make all the throws required. With Nussmeier expected to land on Day 2 of the draft, there won’t be instant desire to start him right away, which could lend him the time needed to eventually develop into a reliable starter.

The well accomplished Carson Beck of Miami went toe-to-toe with Mendoza in the National Championship and possesses big-time pedigree between his experience with the Hurricanes and Georgia Bulldogs. While Beck is more of a short-to-intermediate range passer, he has seen plenty of live bullets, while operating under duress and coming up big in the clutch during critical moments. He projects as a reliable long-term backup in the NFL.

Meanwhile, North Dakota State dual-threat Cole Payton has made a late charge during the draft season and could challenge to be the third quarterback off the board. The FCS lefty signal-caller is also a one-year starter, which could make some teams a bit leery about investing a high-round pick but he has certainly demonstrated huge upside.

Below is the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Quarterback Big Board, along with 30 in-depth scouting reports on the top passers in the draft. For our expanded big board, including verified measurements, be sure to reserve your copy of the Draft Bible here (coming in April).

2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE QUARTERBACK BIG BOARD

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]

1. #Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Rd1

2. #Ty Simpson, Alabama, Rd1

3. #Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, Rd2

4. #Carson Beck, Miami, Rd2

5. #Cole Payton, North Dakota State, Rd3

6. #Drew Allar, Penn State, Rd4

7. #Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Rd5

8. #Haynes King, Georgia Tech, Rd6

9. #Joe Fagnano, UConn, Rd7

10. #Taylen Green, Arkansas, Rd7

11. Jacob Clark, Missouri State, Rd7

12. #Behren Morton, Texas Tech, HPFA

13. #Joey Aguilar, Tennessee, HPFA

14. #Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, HPFA

15. #Luke Altmyer, Illinois, HPFA

16. #Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, HPFA

17. Miller Moss, Louisville, HPFA

18. Derek Robertson, Monmouth, HPFA

19. #Jalon Daniels, Kansas, HPFA

20. Jack Strand, Minnesota State Moorehead, HPFA

21. Mark Gronowski, Iowa, HPFA

22. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers, HPFA

23. Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech, HPFA

24. EJ Warner, Fresno State, HPFA

25. Brady Olson, Central Connecticut State, HPFA

26. Blake Shapen, Mississippi State, PFA

27. Jake Retzlaff, Tulane, PFA

28. Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky, PFA

29. Zach Calzada, Kentucky, PFA

30. Dequan Finn, Miami-Ohio, PFA

NFL DRAFT BIBLE QUARTERBACK SCOUTING REPORTS

MENDOZA, FERNANDO | Indiana | QB | rJr | #15 | Miami, FL | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6046 | WT: 236 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3178

Evaluation: Indiana folklore hero Fernando Mendoza captivated the attention of NFL scouts with a historic season. During the Hoosiers undefeated national championship run, the moment was never too big for the cannon-armed quarterback, as he unleashed rockets to the short, intermediate and deep parts of the field. Blessed with prototypical size, Mendoza ran an up-tempo, spread-option offense, predicated around RPOs, which included quick, smart decision-making, pinpoint accuracy and dangerous downfield deep ball prowess. However, the team rarely huddled, so taking snaps from under center will be one department that he must work on, as he transitions to the pros. The most impressive trait might be his toughness and grit. Time and again, Mendoza would hang tough in the pocket, absorb devastating blows and bounce right up like the energizer bunny without any rattle. That type of leadership, grit and determination trickled down onto the entire team, as players gravitate towards his demeanor. He can spin it with great ball velocity, which enables him to squeeze the ball into tight windows, as well as work the sideline out routes with precision, placing the ball where only his receiver can nab it. While pocket-passers have gone by the waistside like dinosaurs, this is where Mendoza wins, as he showed enough mobility to elude pass-rushers and was able to extend plays on the move when needed, even running for a monumental touchdown scramble to help ice the title game against the Hurricanes. However, Mendoza will likely need to bulk up some for the next level, which could hinder his mobility long-term and at times, he failed to sense the pass rush, holding onto the football with some issues being able to see effectively on his peripheral. The best pro comparison could be NFL veteran Joe Flacco (Bengals). The traits are evident and the future appears bright for Mendoza, who has proven to make all the throws, can air out deep with accuracy and demonstrates the ability to progress through his reads. Known for his prestigious character, Mendozoa, as ironic as it sounds, has an image that is almost too squeaky clean for the NFL and for that, as some old-school NFL scouts have associated it with a negative connotation. However, the Miami native won’t have to worry about that because he is sure to be taking his talents to ‘Vegas.’

Quotable: “I mean, I feel like I’m saying it every week to you guys, but his talents undeniable, but combined with his work ethic– I mean, he’s out there throwing right now, 45 minutes everyone’s off the field, his work ethic is second to none and that’s what separates him. You can be as talented as possible, some of the best talent in the world but if you don’t have that mindset to get better each and every day, that work ethic, that grittiness, that toughness– that’s what really sets him apart. It’s exciting for him and we got to go out there and protect him and do our jobs.” — Indiana OG Pat Coogan on Fernando Mendoza

Background: Combine invite. Started all 16 games at Indiana (2025). Previously appeared in 20 games (19 starts) at California (2022-24); career 25-10 record as a starter. Make room on the mantle! He racked up numerous accolasdes in 2025, including CFP national champion (MVP); Heisman Trophy; Walter Camp Award; Maxwell Award; AP College Football Player of the Year; Davey O’Brien Award; Manning Award; Consensus All-American; Big Ten Most Valuable Player; First-team All-Big Ten (2025). Born October 1, 2003, in Boston, Massachusetts; grew up in Miami, Florida. His paternal line originally came from Spain, from the municipality of Campanario, Badajoz. From there they moved to Olvera, then to Cuba and later to the United States. All four of his grandparents having been born and raised in Cuba. His grandparents moved from Cuba to Miami in 1959 after the events of the Cuban Revolution. Has been outspoken about his Catholic faith and incorporates daily Mass in his game day routine, as well as coordinating team Bible studies on campus at Indiana. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in 2025. A three-star recruit out of Christopher Columbus High School, where he was a two-time team captain. Younger brother, Alberto, was the backup quarterback for Indiana before transferring to Georgia Tech in January. An advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and his mother, Elsa, lives with multiple sclerosis. Alongside his brother, has created multiple menu items at restaurants in the towns of the colleges in which they have played; the money raised has gone to multiple sclerosis research. The items include the “Mendoza Burrito” at La Burrita in Berkeley, California, as well as the “Mendoza Bros. Burger” at BuffaLouie’s and the “Mendoza Bros. Cubano” at Gable’s Bagels in Bloomington, Indiana. Organized a Cuban Relief Service trip in which he and his grandfather, Alberto Espino, went to Cuba to give to back to their native community, locals and family members.Considers Tom Brady to be his idol.

Stats: Played 16 games in 2025, completed 273-of-379 passes (72%), 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions, 182.9 rating; ran 90 times, 276 yards (3.1 average), seven touchdowns. In 36 career games, completed 691-,1008 passes (68.6%), 8,247 yards, 71 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 156.2 rating; ran 225 times, 473 yards (2.1 average), 11 touchdowns.

Q: How were the Hooisers able to build so much chemistry this past year?

A: “Chemistry is everything. Throughout the season we were able to build better chemistry from game one, all the way through game sixteen. I think that was really shown by the back-shoulder balls. So many great catchers and great receivers, whether it’s tight ends, running backs. Most of the balls we threw, especially in the latter half of the season, were on time, they’re accurate, there’s good anticipation and the receivers all made great catches. Had strong hands, had great YAC as well. That preparation from day one in the spring, it was a continuous process and I’m looking forward to working with my new teammates.”

Q: Do you think that you’ll become a great leader in the NFL from day one?

A: “I believe with an NFL franchise, to need it, you need equity and you need two things to build equity. One, you need to play well and that’s where all my focus goes…football, football, football. If you want to lead, first you’ve gotta play well. Second, is having the respect of your teammates. Through your work ethic, through your leadership, through your tenacity, how you respond to mistakes. Those are all things I’m going to work on.”

Q: What made you fall in love with football?

A: “As a child you kind of get thrown into the fire. You get thrown into all these different sports. I believe what made football so special to me was the strategy of the game, the way that you really had to combine with your teammates for a positive result. Football is not a one-man game. It’s an 11-man game…f you’re not the smartest, you can still out-will your way and [be] physical. If you’re not the fastest, you can always be smart and have good instincts. There are just so many angles you can be successful in, I just love the variety in that. You see all the NFL superstars, there is no cookie-cutter mold you need to be.”

SIMPSON, TY | Alabama | QB | rJr | #15 | Martin, TN | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6011 | WT: 211 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3078

Pro Day: HT: 6011 | WT: 211 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3078 | WS: 7648

Evaluation: It was a tale of two seasons for Simpson, who through the first half of the season appeared to be the top signal-caller in the land but a second half slump has led to some questions as to whether he is a ‘one-year wonder.’ With just 15 career starts under his belt, Simpson has plenty of room for development–it’s the high-level flashes of brilliance that has scouts salivating over his long-term potential. He primarily ran a shotgun-based offense, with heavy RPO at Tuscaloosa, occasionally lining-up under center and possess fundamentally sound footwork. Simpson excels at seeing the middle of the field, which is where he seems most accurate. In addition, he gets rid of the ball quickly, making few mistakes and really puts great detail into his ball-fakes. A smart quarterback who reads through his progressions, Simpson knows when to get rid of the football, rather than taking a sack. Despite having limited experience, his calling card is the ability to keep his composure within the pocket. With pressure bearing down on him Simpson is able to maintain a cool head, in oprder to deliver a catchable ball. While he does not possess the strongest arm in the country, Simpson is more than capable of firing lasers into tight windows at any area of the field with accuracy. However, he can make the easy, short pass, look hard at times. At times he tends to misfire on what should be a layup, often due to his habit of throwing off his back foot. Overall, Simpson shows a great feel in the pocket and can stretch the ball to every diameter of the field, when needed. In fact, his ability to layer the ball over defenders and downfield is one of his greatest assets and the primary trait that renders an unlimited upside. The lack of live bullets will be his biggest hurdle, as he attempts to transition to the NFL but his resourcefulness to pick apart a defense when everything looks covered by placing touch on a throw is a skill-sett sure to be valued. There’s no doubt that the Tennessee native has transformed himself into a shiny new quarterback, meshing arm talent with underrated speed. Quite simply, Simpson is a surgeon, able to exploit a defense in any facet. How soon he’ll be ready remains the million-dollar question.

Quotable: “Talking about something that I really love, which is my faith and football, really just gives me a great, heartwarming feeling. The fact that God’s put me on this earth, I fully believe he put me on this earth for a bigger reason, to play football and honor him.” – Ty Simpson on his faith and purpose

Background: Appeared in 31 games (15 starts) at Alabama (2022-25); career 11-4 record as a starter. Bidded his time patiently playing behind Jalen Milroe (2023-34) and Bryce Young (2021-22). A permanent team captains in 2025 season, named All-SEC Second Team (2025); SEC champion (2023). A five-star recruit out of Westview High School, where he won Westview won the 2A Tennessee State Championship and was named Tennessee Gatorade Player; participated in Nike’s “The Opening” and was selected to the All-American Bowl. Hails from a Christian family. His father, Jason Simpson, has been the head football coach for the UT Martin Skyhawks since 2005.

Stats: Played 15 games in 2025, completed 305-of-473 passes (64.5%), 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, 145.2 rating; ran 90 times, 93 yards, two scores. In 31 career games, completed 334-of-423 passes (63.9%), 3,948 yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, 143.0 rating; ran 112 times, 223 yards, five touchdowns.

Q: You’ve been making a conscious effort to bulk up for the next level, how is that going for you?

A: “A lot of eating. A lot of three, four meals a day. A lot of shakes. Just getting in a routine of getting in the morning, eating, drinking chocolate milk, eating lunch, eating the right meal and adding a shake to that, dinner, adding a salad. Just a routine and stick with it. Sometimes, in the season, you get caught up with a lot of stuff. So the routine I have is pretty good now.”

Q: How do you think you will fare in the NFL if you are drafted by a cold weather team?

A: “So we didn’t really play in a cold game in Alabama. There were some cold games, some windy games. I think Oklahoma was pretty cold, Ole Miss a couple years ago was pretty cold. But in high school, I played in a bunch of cold games and really, the cold is just an external factor. I can’t worry about that, right? I gotta have a hand warmer, gotta make sure my hands are dry. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean I can’t throw the ball.”

Q: You’ve been criticised for coming out early, despite being a one-year stater. What is your response?

A: “First off, I feel like I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback. Alabama prepares you most for the NFL and with the infrastructure that they had and the guidance from Coach [Nick] Saban, Coach [Kalen] DeBoer, Coach [Ryan] Grubb, all the coordinators that I had before. I run an NFL-type system and it’s definitely prepared me for saying those long play calls, saying those checks, making sure that I get us in the right protection. Also as well, everybody talks about my stars but I played in other games besides that and I played against really good NFL players, I think about my freshman year, right? Learning from the number one overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner. Going on defense, going on scout team, I got Will Anderson, Dallas Turner, Henry To’otT’o, I got Kool-Aid on one side, I got Terrion the other side. There’s a number of first- and second-round draft picks that I went against and who I was in the locker room with. So like I said, the Alabama locker room was as close as a locker room in the NFL as you can get.”

NUSSMEIER, GARRETT | LSU | QB | rSr | #13 | Lake Charles, LA | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6020 | WT: 203 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3038

Senior Bowl: HT: 6010 | WT: 202 | HD: 0868 | ARM: 3078

Evaluation: Entering the 2025 campaign, many believed Nussmeier to be the premier quarterback prospect in college football. Unfortunately, a strained torso suffered in training camp, as a result of too much throwing, also led to a re-aggravated a case of patellar tendinitis in his left knee (early August), which hindered him throughout the season. While Nussmeier displayed great toughness battling through the injuries, his ball velocity dipped and he attempted far fewer deep balls this past year. Still, there is plenty to like in regards to the polish of the Tigers signal-caller, as he possesses all the tools required to be a successful NFL starter. The Louisiana native brings a gunslinger mentality, along with a quick release and fires the ball with high velocity. In fact, his RPMs were much more noticeable in Mobile, as Nussmeier stated he was finally healthy and treaded carefully not to throw his former head coach Brian Kelly under the bus for his mis-management. In addition, Nussmeier has proven to remain accurate when throwing on the move and demonstrates the innate ability to improvise on the fly. He can make the rare opposite hashmark out throw with relative ease when healthy and produces great anticipation throws, especially under duress. An acute decision-maker, he has also flashed the ability to dip his arm angle when needed, to avoid the oncoming pass-rush and make the completion. Nussmeier knows you can’t go broke by taking a profit, as he is efficient utilizing the short-to-intermediate parts of the field. One of the most alluring aspects of his game is that he owns the rare ability to make magical plays occur based on instincts, feel, and ‘it’ factor. The lack of ideal size could be the biggest concern surrounding Nussmeier, as scouts might question his long-term durability after enduring a year in which his performance suffered due to injury. Not the most fleet of foot, he does most of his damage inside the pocket. For NFL organizations in need of a franchise quarterback, Nussmeier presents a low-risk, high-reward proposition as a projected Day 2 selection who won’t necessarily be forced to play immediately and will have the time to regain his confidence and develop into a capable starter.

Quotable: “For me, I think one, off the field, is my leadership ability, my ability to get guys to play for me on the field. It starts with relationships to me. Just being able to get close with guys so they know that you truly care about them when you’re trying to correct them and I think on the field, my anticipation and processing is special.” – Garrett Nussmeier on his best attributes

Background: Combine and Senior Bowl invite; named Senior Bowl MVP. Appeared in 40 games (23 starts) at LSU; 15-7 record as a starter. Three-time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll selection; LSU Graduate (Spring, 2025). Named 2024 Texas Bowl and ReliaQuest Bowl MVP. Born on February 7, 2002, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Hails from a Christian family. His father, Doug Nussmeier, played college football at Idaho and in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints (fourth round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft) before entering coaching. Due to his dad’s career as a football coach, he moved 12 times growing up, living in eight different states and Canada, while spending summers in Lake Charles, his mother’s hometown. A four-star pro-style quarterback from Marcus High School; racked up 8,160 passing yards and 83 touchdowns, completing 623 passes on 946 attempts with only 20 interceptions. Earned 2020 Texas 6A Midseason Player of the Year and was selected to Under Armour All American Game

Stats: Played nine games in 2025, completed 194-of-288 passes (67.4%), 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, five interceptions, 133.8 rating; ran 29 times, -57 yards, one touchdown. In 40 career games, completed 660-of-1,032 passes (64%), 7,699 yards, 52 touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 138.6 rating; ran 70 times, -153 yards, five touchdowns.

Q: When did your injury occur and how much do you feel your play showed the effect?

A: “My injury occurred in fall camp, day two, practice two of fall camp. How much did it affect me? I think it was pretty evident. I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to go throw the ball and we weren’t able to figure out exactly what it was. It was a frustrating deal and it wasn’t LSU’s fault, it wasn’t the doctor’s fault. They did a great job of taking care of me and the trainers there. It was just a rare deal, it was just a thing that we really didn’t figure out what it was until about two months ago. Had about nine days to prepare for the Senior Bowl and try and get back right for that and so made a lot of progress over the last month. So, feeling much more like myself, which has been exciting, learning how to retrain myself, get rid of the bad habits that I had created and just to be able to get to throw the football like I know I can.”

Q: What kinds of adjustments did you have to make in lieu of the injury?

A: “Well, just for one, not being able to use your core as a quarterback is pretty tough and so I had created, just made different habits, whether it was arm angles, or things with my feet and trying to turn around my hips and set up my abs and things like that. So, just more of learning how to use my abdomen again as I’m throwing the ball.”

Q: Did you meet with the New Orleans Saints and their offensive coordinator (Garrett’s dad)?

A: “Yeah, I have not met with the Saints. Coach [Scott] Tolzien, the quarterbacks coach, was the offensive coordinator for us at the Senior Bowl. So I think that was kind of my meeting with them but yeah, my dad’s been huge for me. Just being able to lean on him throughout this entire process, he went through this as a player as well and now obviously, being around it for a while as a coach. It’s awesome to be able to have him to kind of set the blueprint out for me and help me through this.”

BECK, CARSON | Miami | QB | rSr | #11 | Jacksonville, FL | Day 2