NFL · 1 hour ago

2027 NFL Draft: ESPN Reveals Top Quarterback Prospects to Know

John Canady

Host · Writer

Demond Williams Jr., Washington
One of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, Demond Williams Jr., creates problems for defenses whenever a play breaks down. His size will always be part of the NFL conversation, but his production and playmaking ability are impossible to ignore.

"His quickness helps him slither through defenses outside of structure and presents headaches for opponents when he runs." — Jordan Reid
CJ Bailey, NC State
After a promising sophomore season, CJ Bailey enters 2026 as one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the country. The NC State signal caller has the size, arm talent, and athleticism scouts covet, and another jump in production could send his stock soaring.

"He has the arm to drive the ball in the middle of the field and complete passes vertically. He also can be an asset in the QB-designed run game with his long strides, which help him outrace defenders." — Jordan Reid
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
CJ Carr wasted little time establishing himself as Notre Dame's quarterback of the future, turning a strong first season as a starter into plenty of NFL buzz. If he can cut down on the unnecessary risks and continue producing without some of last year's top playmakers, his first-round hype will only grow.

"Multiple scouts indicate Carr is the most popular choice as the signal-caller who could shoot high in Round 1. Notre Dame lost a lot of top skill players last season, so if Carr can shoulder the load and play well, his stock will rise." — Jordan Reid
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
One of the biggest breakout stories in college football, Trinidad Chambliss helped lead Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals after arriving from Division II Ferris State. His dual-threat ability makes him a difficult player to defend, and another productive season could push him much higher up draft boards.

"Chambliss is dynamic as a runner and a passer, as his sudden circular throwing motion helps him get the ball out quickly and was a big reason he was sacked on only 2.9% of his dropbacks." — Jordan Reid
Jayden Maiava, USC
After his first full season as USC's starter, Jayden Maiava has positioned himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 class. He thrives when pushing the ball downfield and should continue putting up big numbers in Lincoln Riley's offense.

"His best moments come when stretching defenses vertically, as he consistently throws with excellent touch. His 37 completions on passes of 20 or more air yards led the FBS." — Jordan Reid
Arch Manning, Texas
The expectations remain sky high for Arch Manning, who showed noticeable growth as Texas' starter as the season went along. The physical tools have never been in question, and another step forward could put him squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.

"Things started to click in mid-October, with his physical and mental toughness shining down the stretch. He consistently withstood pressure and made throws under duress." — Jordan Reid
Darian Mensah, Miami
After starring at Duke, Darian Mensah heads to Miami looking to follow the recent success quarterbacks have found in the Hurricanes' offense. His poise, accuracy, and production make him one of the more proven passers in this draft cycle.

"His best work came in the red zone, where he was nearly automatic (24 touchdowns to zero interceptions)." — Jordan Reid
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
A year ago, few people outside North Texas knew much about Drew Mestemaker. After leading the FBS in passing yards, he'll now have a chance to prove himself against tougher competition at Oklahoma State while continuing to showcase his aggressive style.

"He has a live arm and the confidence to test the tightest windows from various platforms. Mestemaker is capable of a couple of 'wow' throws every game." — Jordan Reid
Dante Moore, Oregon
Many expected Dante Moore to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, but his return to Oregon instantly makes him one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in this class. He has already shown the consistency and polish scouts want to see, though another strong season could cement his status near the top of the board.

"From his footwork to his release, Moore is a natural in every aspect of the position. He distributes the ball in a timely, efficient manner with his smooth, effective throwing motion." — Jordan Reid
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Julian Sayin put together an impressive debut season as Ohio State's starter, leading the nation in completion percentage while helping keep the Buckeyes among the country's elite offenses. Scouts will be eager to see how his game continues to evolve as he gains experience.

"His placement makes the after-catch process seamless for receivers, as he puts the ball on the proper parts of their frames. Sayin repeatedly takes what defenses give him underneath while also being aware of when to loft throws downfield." — Jordan Reid
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Despite an up-and-down 2025 campaign, LaNorris Sellers remains one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in college football. His combination of arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability continues to make him a fascinating projection for NFL evaluators.

"He has long-term, upper-tier potential but must be in a situation in which he's paired with proven talent developers and afforded years of patience." — Jordan Reid
Byrum Brown, Auburn
After thriving under Alex Golesh at South Florida, Byrum Brown followed his head coach to Auburn, looking to prove his success can translate to the SEC. His dual-threat ability and consistent production give him a chance to rise quickly if he adjusts to the jump in competition.

"Having an unconventional and long-winding release hasn't hampered Brown from being one of the more consistent dual-threat quarterbacks in the FBS." — Jordan Reid
Jaden Craig, TCU
After becoming Harvard's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, Jaden Craig opted to test himself at a higher level with a move to TCU. His ability to push the ball downfield should make him a natural fit in the Horned Frogs' offense.

"Craig contemplated entering the 2026 draft, as there were scouts who had strong Day 3 grades on him after he finished with 2,869 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions at Harvard last season." — Jordan Reid
Josh Hoover, Indiana
Fresh off consecutive 3,000-yard seasons, Josh Hoover takes over at Indiana with a chance to follow the path that recently elevated the Hoosiers' offense. His quick release and experience make him an intriguing fit in Indiana's fast-paced system.

"With excellent skill players surrounding him and a proven system that finds leaks in defenses, Hoover could vault up draft boards like Mendoza did." — Jordan Reid
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
After a highly publicized transfer from Tennessee, Nico Iamaleava showed flashes of why he was once considered one of the nation's top quarterback prospects. His arm talent and mobility remain enticing, but consistency will be the key to unlocking his full potential.

"He has a natural throwing motion that can dissect and deliver. A long-striding athlete, Iamaleava added 504 rushing yards and four touchdowns and is capable of picking teams apart with his legs." — Jordan Reid
Kevin Jennings, SMU
Few quarterbacks are more entertaining to watch than Kevin Jennings, whose ability to create plays with both his arm and legs keeps defenses under constant pressure. If he can clean up some of the turnover issues, he could generate much more NFL interest this season.

"He's an exciting passer who continuously puts defenses in conflict because of his ability to throw downfield and create plays with his legs." — Jordan Reid
DJ Lagway, Baylor
The production hasn't matched the expectations yet, but DJ Lagway still possesses some of the most impressive physical tools in this quarterback class. A fresh start at Baylor gives him an opportunity to put everything together and remind scouts why he was once such a coveted recruit.

"At 6-3 and 247 pounds, Lagway has physical tools and stature few passers can match. He also has a live arm that has scouts intrigued about his potential." — Jordan Reid
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Injuries prevented Sam Leavitt from building on his breakout 2024 season, but his talent continues to intrigue evaluators entering 2026. Now at LSU, he'll have a chance to revive his stock in an offense designed to attack defenses aggressively.

"Leavitt transferred from Arizona State and is viewed as an integral member of Lane Kiffin's first LSU class, as his skills fit well in the coach's attacking offense." — Jordan Reid
Drake Lindsey, Minnesota
Standing six-foot-five with a powerful arm, Drake Lindsey has the physical profile NFL teams love to develop. Minnesota's offense hasn't always showcased his ability to push the ball vertically, but the raw talent is easy to spot.

"He has the downfield arm strength that makes you sit up in your chair." — Jordan Reid
John Mateer, Oklahoma
After transferring from Washington State, John Mateer flashed plenty of exciting moments during his first season at Oklahoma. His arm talent and creativity can produce spectacular plays, though consistency remains the biggest question heading into 2026.

"Possessing a shortstop-like throwing motion, Mateer can make plenty of big-time passes." — Jordan Reid
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Marcel Reed emerged as one of the SEC's most productive young quarterbacks last season, pairing strong numbers with an aggressive mentality. That confidence can be a strength, but improving his decision-making will be crucial for his long-term development.

"He has never seen a throwing window he doesn't like. Reed's daring mentality can be a double-edged sword, as he has spurts of puzzling decision-making." — Jordan Reid
Demond Williams Jr., Washington
One of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, Demond Williams Jr., creates problems for defenses whenever a play breaks down. His size will always be part of the NFL conversation, but his production and playmaking ability are impossible to ignore.

"His quickness helps him slither through defenses outside of structure and presents headaches for opponents when he runs." — Jordan Reid
CJ Bailey, NC State
After a promising sophomore season, CJ Bailey enters 2026 as one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the country. The NC State signal caller has the size, arm talent, and athleticism scouts covet, and another jump in production could send his stock soaring.

"He has the arm to drive the ball in the middle of the field and complete passes vertically. He also can be an asset in the QB-designed run game with his long strides, which help him outrace defenders." — Jordan Reid

2027 NFL Draft: ESPN Reveals Top Quarterback Prospects to Know

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES