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ESPN Unveils Latest Quarterback Rankings Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

12) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 207 pounds

Diego Pavia posted 3,539 yards, 29 TDs, 8 INTs, finishing second in Heisman voting. Explosive outside the pocket and aggressive downfield, he averaged 8.8 yards per dropback, showing elite playmaking despite his undersized stature. Needs refinement in progression reads.

"Pavia’s competitive fire and ability to make plays in tight windows are rare, but size and consistency will dictate his draft spot." - Jordan Reid
1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 236 pounds

Fernando Mendoza emerged as the nation’s top QB after transferring to Indiana, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs, and winning the Heisman while leading the Hoosiers to their first national title. His pocket poise and red zone efficiency stand out, though he struggles when flushed or forced to move.

"Fernando Mendoza has the arm, the toughness, and the track record that make him a clear top pick if a team wants a franchise quarterback." - Jordan Reid
2) Ty Simpson, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 211 pounds

Ty Simpson proved his poise in pressure stretches, throwing for 1,954 yards, 19 TDs, 1 INT over a midseason eight-game run. He’s a calm, smart passer with mobility, but holds the ball too long and has inconsistent deep-ball accuracy.

"Simpson has the tools and the awareness to thrive, but he’s still a QB who needs the right situation to reach his potential." - Jordan Reid
3) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 203 pounds

Garrett Nussmeier showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, posting 1,927 yards, 12 TDs and 5 INTs despite injuries. He’s a poised pocket passer with strong anticipation and throws accurately into tight windows. Durability and conservative offensive usage may cap his upside.

"Nussmeier has the football IQ to stay in the league for a decade; he just needs a team to let him play to his strengths." - Jordan Reid
4) Carson Beck, Miami
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 233 pounds

Carson Beck rebounded at Miami with 3,813 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs, thriving with rhythm and timing. He’s a methodical passer with accuracy, but is sensitive to pressure and relies heavily on supporting playmakers.

"Beck provides a safe floor as a QB3 or backup, but his ceiling grows if he lands in a system that suits him." - Jordan Reid
5) Drew Allar, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 228 pounds

Drew Allar possesses prototypical size and arm strength, showing flashes with 1,100 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs before injury. Experienced and physically gifted, he’s a developmental project whose accuracy against elite defenses needs work.

"Allar’s physical tools are undeniable; with the right coaching, he could exceed his draft projection." - Jordan Reid
6) Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 232 pounds

Cole Payton is a tough dual-threat QB with 3,188 yards, 29 TDs (16 passing, 13 rushing), 4 INTs. He’s poised in the pocket and thrives on designed QB runs, though mechanics and pocket awareness require refinement.

"He has the skillset of a real passer, not just an athlete, and could be a steal in the middle rounds." - Jordan Reid
7) Taylen Green, Arkansas
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 227 pounds

Taylen Green’s elite athleticism showed on tape and at the combine (4.36 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical). He posted 2,714 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs, with 771 rushing yards. A high-upside developmental QB, his timing and accuracy are inconsistent.

"Green is a boom-or-bust prospect whose ceiling is sky-high if he’s coached properly." - Jordan Reid
8) Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 210 pounds

Luke Altmyer totaled 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs, thriving as a point guard in the pocket. Quick processing and mobility stand out, but a limited arm and tendency to force flashy throws lower his ceiling.

"Altmyer has the tools to be a late-round gem, especially as a long-term backup with upside." - Jordan Reid
9) Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 207 pounds

Cade Klubnik had 2,943 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs, playing best off play-action. He’s a streaky, clean-release passer who can move when needed but struggles under pressure and lacks a standout trait.

"Klubnik is a steady hand with some tools, but he’s the classic middle-to-late round developmental QB." - Jordan Reid
10) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 216 pounds

Sawyer Robertson excelled in Baylor’s spread offense with 3,681 yards, 31 TDs, 12 INTs, showing quick decisions and vertical ability. Accuracy can waver under pressure, and turnovers are a concern in late-game situations.

"Robertson has a quick release and can stretch the field, but consistency will determine his draft value." - Jordan Reid
11) Joe Fagnano, UConn
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 226 pounds

Joe Fagnano emerged late in his career, throwing for 3,448 yards, 28 TDs, 1 INT in 2025. Mechanically sound with quick release (2.56 seconds average to throw), he scans the field well and makes smart, safe decisions. Plays bigger than his program’s profile suggests.

"Fagnano’s consistency and football IQ make him a legit late-round option with the potential to develop into a starter." - Jordan Reid
12) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 207 pounds

Diego Pavia posted 3,539 yards, 29 TDs, 8 INTs, finishing second in Heisman voting. Explosive outside the pocket and aggressive downfield, he averaged 8.8 yards per dropback, showing elite playmaking despite his undersized stature. Needs refinement in progression reads.

"Pavia’s competitive fire and ability to make plays in tight windows are rare, but size and consistency will dictate his draft spot." - Jordan Reid
1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 236 pounds

Fernando Mendoza emerged as the nation’s top QB after transferring to Indiana, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs, and winning the Heisman while leading the Hoosiers to their first national title. His pocket poise and red zone efficiency stand out, though he struggles when flushed or forced to move.

"Fernando Mendoza has the arm, the toughness, and the track record that make him a clear top pick if a team wants a franchise quarterback." - Jordan Reid

ESPN Unveils Latest Quarterback Rankings Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

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