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Mel Kiper’s Updated Top 15 Quarterback | NFL Draft Final Rankings

John Canady

Host · Writer

15) Jacob Clark, Missouri State
Previous Rank: NR

Jacob Clark NFL Draft Profile
- College: Missouri State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Rockwall, TX
Jacob Clark's Measurements

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 220 lbs.

Hand: n/a

Arm: n/a

Jacob Clark helped put Missouri State on the quarterback map in 2025, serving as the engine behind an offense that leaned heavily on his arm throughout the season. Clark wasn’t afraid to test tight windows or take chances downfield, a trait that led to consistent production but also came with some volatility.

He closed the year with 28 passing touchdowns against 11 interceptions, a stat line that reflects both his playmaking mentality and areas still in need of refinement. While he remains more of an under-the-radar name in the broader quarterback landscape, Clark’s willingness to compete and produce keeps him in the conversation as a developmental prospect with upside.

Jacob Clark 2025 College Stats

Games: 12

Passing: 247/376 (65.7%), 3,244 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs

Rushing: 94 attempts, -16 yards, 3 TDs

Jacob Clark's Combine Results (Not Invited)

40-Yard Dash: n/a

10-Yard Split: n/a

Vertical Jump: n/a

Broad Jump: n/a

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a

Bench Press: n/a
NFL Draft: Mel Kiper QB Rankings
The wait is finally over—the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh kicks off tonight. In a high-stakes April 21 update, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. delivered his definitive Big Board and positional rankings, providing the final blueprint for a quarterback class that could reshape the league. While Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza remains the undisputed No. 1 prospect, Kiper’s expanded Top 15 list proves that front offices are still wrestling with the depth of this year's signal-callers.

Last-Minute Shuffles and New Contenders

The elite tier has officially locked in, but the mid-round hierarchy underwent a late shakeup. Alabama’s Ty Simpson has firmly entrenched himself at No. 2, maintaining his status as a Top 25 overall prospect. However, the battle for the next wave saw a significant swap: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) has reclaimed the No. 4 spot, pushing Penn State's Drew Allar down to No. 5.

The rest of the Top 10 remains steady, but the pool of viable targets has grown. Kiper’s final board now features 15 quarterbacks, headlined by two major late-cycle additions:
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): Vaulted into the rankings at No. 11 following a surge in momentum.
- Joey Aguilar (Tennessee): Debuted at No. 14, providing an option for teams looking for value in the late rounds.
With Cole Payton (NDSU) holding strong at No. 6 over Arkansas’s Taylen Green, the stage is set for a historic night in the Steel City. The hunt for a franchise anchor has officially reached its boiling point.
1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Previous Rank: 1

Mel's Big Board: 1

Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft Profile
- College: Indiana
- Class: RS-Junior
- Hometown: Miami, FL
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Fernando Mendoza is far and away considered the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class after a huge season at Indiana. Not only did the Miami native win the 2025 Heisman award, but he led a long-struggling Hoosiers program to their first National Championship win all in the same season. Totaling 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions on the season, while adding another seven touchdowns on the ground,

Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Fernando Mendoza 2025 College Stats
- Games: 16
- Passing: 273/379 (72.03%), 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs
- Rushing: 90 attempts, 276 yards, 7 TDs
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
2) Ty Simpson, Alabama
Previous Rank: 2

Mel's Big Board: 24

Ty Simpson NFL Draft Profile
- College: Alabama
- Class: RS-Junior
- Hometown: Martin, TN
Ty Simpson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 211 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
Ty Simpson lands at the No. 2 spot in Mel Kiper's rankings after a strong starting campaign at Alabama this past year. The junior impressed in his lone season as a starter for the Crimson Tide after three years of waiting for his opportunity at the SEC powerhouse, where he tossed for 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Despite that, many still felt that one more college season under his belt could greatly benefit the pocket passer.

Nonetheless, Simpson's reluctance to suit up for another program and potentially burnish his Alabama legacy led him to the NFL Draft, as former five-star Keelon Russell seems to be the direction head coach Kalen DeBoer is heading in for 2026.

Ty Simpson 2025 College Stats
- Games: 15
- Passing: 305/473 (64.5%), 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs
- Rushing: 90 attempts, 93 yards, 2 TDs
Ty Simpson's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
3) Carson Beck, Miami
Previous Rank: 3

Mel's Big Board: 111

Carson Beck NFL Draft Profile
- College: Miami (FL)
- Class: Sixth-Year Senior
- Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Carson Beck's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 233 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Carson Beck is another QB that many believed could have entered the 2025 NFL Draft after a pair of impressive seasons at Georgia, where he proved to be a viable starter in the Bulldogs' offense. Nonetheless, a UCL injury just before the College Football Playoffs abruptly ended his time in Athens, prompting his decision not only to return for another season of college football but also to enter the transfer portal.

In his lone season at Miami, the experienced pocket passer posted a career year throwing for 3,813 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while leading a Hurricanes' squad that snuck into the postseason on a cinderella run to the National Championship. Looking ahead, Beck has the chance to be a central riser with a strong showing at the NFL Combine.

Carson Beck 2025 College Stats
- Games: 16
- Passing: 338/467 (72.4%), 3,813 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs
- Rushing: 43 yards, 2 TDs
Carson Beck's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
4) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Previous Rank: 5

Mel's Big Board: 113

Garrett Nussmeier NFL Draft Profile
- College: LSU
- Class: RS-Senior
- Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 3/8"
When talking about players whose draft stock took a significant hit in 2025, Garrett Nussmeier immediately comes to mind. The LSU star entered 2025 with the chance to solidify himself as the top quarterback available in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong 2024 campaign, totaling 29 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Instead, the Louisiana native was dealt with an injury-riddled season that ended early after tossing for 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, leading a struggling Tigers team backwards in comparison to where many expected them to be in 2025. Now, Nussmeier faces an uphill climb to revamp his draft stock before April's NFL Draft, which began with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.

Garrett Nussmeier 2025 College Stats
- Games: 9
- Passing: 194/288 (67.4%), 1,927 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs
- Rushing: 29 attempts, -57 yards, 1 TD
Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5) Drew Allar, Penn State
Previous Rank: 4

Mel's Big Board: 115

Drew Allar NFL Draft Profile
- College: Penn State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Medina, OH
Drew Allar's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 228 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
Entering the 2025 season, Drew Allar was viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects to monitor regarding the 2026 NFL Draft. After two impressive seasons as the starter at Penn State in both 2023 and 2024, many felt that the six-foot-five quarterback could have entered the 2025 NFL Draft and been among the top available QBs then.

However, Allar opted to run it back for one last season with the Nittany Lions, hoping to make a run at the National Championship. Instead, the senior faced a trying start to the year that ultimately cost longtime head coach James Franklin his job and ended in an injury to Allar. Fortunately, his college totals of 61 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions could bode well for his evaluation at the next level.
- Games: 6
- Passing: 191/261 (73.2%), 1,100 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs
- Rushing: 36 attempts, 172 yards, 1 TD
Drew Allar's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
6) Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Previous Rank: 6

Mel's Big Board: 131

Cole Payton NFL Draft Profile
- College: North Dakota State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Omaha, NE
Cole Payton's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 232 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 31 5/8"
Cole Payton put himself on the map this past year in his lone season as the starting quarterback at North Dakota State. In his first year as the starter for the Bisons, the dual-threat quarterback impressed, totaling 29 touchdowns (16 passing, 13 rushing) and limiting himself to four turnovers.

Obviously, the last pair of notable North Dakota State quarterbacks to be selected high in the NFL Draft are Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, who both put together much better seasons in comparison to Payton. Nonetheless, in a draft class that many consider weak, the Nebraska product could be a riser.

Cole Payton 2025 College Stats
- Games: 9 starts (appeared in 13)
- Passing: 161/224 (71.9%), 2,719 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs
- Rushing: 136 attempts, 777 yards, 13 TDs
Cole Payton's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.56
- 10-Yard Split: 1.57
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 10’10”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.12
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
- Bench Press: n/a
7) Taylen Green, Arkansas
Previous Rank: 7

Mel's Big Board: 138Taylen Green NFL Draft Profile
- College: Arkansas
- Class: Fifth-Year Senior
- Hometown: Lewisville, TX
Taylen Green's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 227 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 34 3/4"
Taylen Green may be one of the most fascinating prospects to monitor in the entirety of the 2026 NFL Draft. The dual-threat QB posted a career-best season at Arkansas, combining for 27 total touchdowns (19 passing, 8 rushing) and 11 interceptions, while adding 777 rushing yards on the ground.

Green could interest several teams willing to take a swing at potential. The Texas native could be a project to develop, but for the right team, it may be a swing worth taking.

Taylen Green 2025 College Stats
- Games: 12
- Passing: 198/326 (60.7%), 2,714 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs
- Rushing: 139 attempts, 777 yards, 8 TDs
Taylen Green's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.36
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 43.5”
- Broad Jump: 11’2”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
8) Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Previous Rank: 8

Cade Klubnik NFL Draft Profile
- College: Clemson
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Austin, TX
Cade Klubnik's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 207 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
You can't talk about disappointments from the 2025 season without mentioning former five-star recruit Cade Klubnik and the Clemson Tigers. Not only did Clemson take a significant step back this season after a College Football Playoff bid last year, but Klubnik, without a doubt, TANKED his draft stock.

Comparing his 2024 campaign, where he tossed 36 touchdowns and six interceptions, to his final season at Clemson, posting 16 passing touchdowns and six interceptions in total, there's no way to ignore just how much his draft stock took a hit. Klubnik has talent, but the weaknesses he put on display this past year against lackluster ACC competition will ultimately impact his rank for not just Kiper but also NFL scouts.

Cade Klubnik 2025 College Stats
- Games: 12
- Passing: 257/392 (65.6%), 2,943 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs
- Rushing: 83 attempts, 94 yards, 4 TDs
Cade Klubnik's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9) Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Previous Rank: 9

Luke Altmyer NFL Draft Profile
- College: Illinois
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Starkville, MS
Luke Altmyer's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 210 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 29 7/8"
Luke Altmyer quietly put together one of the steadier quarterback seasons in the Big Ten, even if it didn’t always grab national headlines. Operating as the consistent force of Illinois’ offense, Altmyer showed improved command from the pocket and a willingness to take care of the football while still pushing the ball downfield when opportunities arose.

He wrapped up the 2025 campaign with 3,007 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, a stat line that reflects both his growth as a decision-maker and his reliability week to week. While he narrowly misses the top tier of quarterback prospects for now, Altmyer’s consistency and upward trajectory keep him firmly on the NFL radar as a developmental option worth monitoring moving forward.

Luke Altmyer 2025 College Stats
- Games: 13
- Passing: 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs
- Rushing: 100 attempts, 242 yards, 5 TDs
Luke Altmyer's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.72
- 10-Yard Split: 1.66
- Vertical Jump: 32”
- Broad Jump: 9’6”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
10) Sawyer Roberston, Baylor
Previous Rank: 10

Sawyer Robertson NFL Draft Profile
- College: Baylor
- Class: RS-Senior
- Hometown: Lubbock, TX
Sawyer Robertson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 216 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
Sawyer Robertson being ranked this low on Kiper's list comes as a bit of a surprise, considering his success under center at Baylor the last two seasons. In fact, after a career-year totaling 3,681 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, it wouldn't have been a shock to see the six-foot-four senior find himself in the top five of available quarterbacks.

Nonetheless, Robertson still has some heads to turn, and who knows, maybe he could be the next Dak Prescott?

Sawyer Robertson 2025 College Stats
- Games: 12
- Passing: 3,681 yards, 31 TDs, 12 INTs
- Rushing: 17 yards, 3 TDs
Sawyer Robertson's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.64
- 10-Yard Split: 1.61
- Vertical Jump: 37.5”
- Broad Jump: 10’3”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.45
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.46
- Bench Press: n/a
11) Haynes King, Georgia Tech
Previous Rank: NR

Haynes King NFL Draft Profile
- College: Georgia Tech
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Longview, TX
Haynes King's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2 3/8"
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Haynes King offers an intriguing dual-threat profile with his mobility and ability to extend plays, giving him a foundation to build off as a developmental option. The former Georgia Tech star isn't known as a polished passer, but there's plenty to work off as he makes the leap.

Haynes King's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46
- 10-Yard Split: 1.56
- Vertical Jump: 33.5"
- Broad Jump: 9'8"
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.89
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.17
- Bench Press: n/a
12) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Previous Rank: 11

Diego Pavia NFL Draft Profile
- College: Vanderbilt
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Diego Pavia's Combine Measurements

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 207 lbs.

Hand: 9 5/8"

Arm: 28 5/8"

Diego Pavia emerged as one of the most electric breakout players in college football during the 2025 season, turning himself into a weekly problem for opposing defenses and a legitimate Heisman contender. Despite being undersized for the position, Pavia consistently made up for it with toughness, creativity, and an ability to extend plays when things broke down.

He accounted for 29 passing touchdowns against eight interceptions while adding a massive 862 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground, showcasing a dual-threat profile that fueled his meteoric rise. Although he ultimately came up short in the Heisman race, Pavia’s production and competitive edge forced evaluators to take notice, even as his size remains a central talking point as his NFL projection continues to take shape.

Diego Pavia 2025 College Stats

Games: 13

Passing: 267/378 (70.6%), 3,539 yards, 29 TDs, 8 INTs

Rushing: 167 attempts, 862 yards, 10 TDs

Diego Pavia's Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: n/a

10-Yard Split: n/a

Vertical Jump: n/a

Broad Jump: n/a

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a

Bench Press: n/a
13) Joe Fagnano, UConn
Previous Rank: NR

Joe Fagnano NFL Draft Profile
- College: Connecticut
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Williamsport, PA
Joe Fagnano's Combine Measurements

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 226 lbs.

Hand: 9 1/4"

Arm: 31 3/8"

Joe Fagnano’s path to this point has been anything but conventional, but the seven-year senior finally delivered his most complete and efficient season in 2025. Serving as the steady hand behind UConn’s offense, Fagnano played with confidence and poise, rarely putting the ball in harm’s way while consistently capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

He finished the year with 28 passing touchdowns against just one interception, a remarkable ratio that underscores his growth as a decision-maker and his command of the offense. While his age and lengthy college journey will be part of the evaluation process, Fagnano’s career-year efficiency has positioned him as an intriguing late-blooming quarterback prospect to keep an eye on.

Joe Fagnano 2025 College Stats

Games: 12

Passing: 285/413 (69.0%), 3,448 yards, 28 TDs, 1 INT

Rushing: 47 attempts, 131 yards, 3 TDs

Joe Fagnano's Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.83

10-Yard Split: 1.67

Vertical Jump: 35”

Broad Jump: 9’10”

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.35

Bench Press: n/a
14) Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
Previous Rank: NR

Joey Aguilar NFL Draft Profile
- College: Tennessee
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Antioch, CA
Joey Aguilar's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3 1/4"
- Weight: 229 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 31 3/4"
Joey Aguilar enters the draft after a productive season at Tennessee, where he proved the ability to be a steady presence with enough arm talent to operate within structure. Aguilar failed to gain another year of eligibility, which ultimately forced his hand to enter the draft. Still, he could be a solid system quarterback with room for growth.

Joey Aguilar's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
15) Jacob Clark, Missouri State
Previous Rank: NR

Jacob Clark NFL Draft Profile
- College: Missouri State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Rockwall, TX
Jacob Clark's Measurements

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 220 lbs.

Hand: n/a

Arm: n/a

Jacob Clark helped put Missouri State on the quarterback map in 2025, serving as the engine behind an offense that leaned heavily on his arm throughout the season. Clark wasn’t afraid to test tight windows or take chances downfield, a trait that led to consistent production but also came with some volatility.

He closed the year with 28 passing touchdowns against 11 interceptions, a stat line that reflects both his playmaking mentality and areas still in need of refinement. While he remains more of an under-the-radar name in the broader quarterback landscape, Clark’s willingness to compete and produce keeps him in the conversation as a developmental prospect with upside.

Jacob Clark 2025 College Stats

Games: 12

Passing: 247/376 (65.7%), 3,244 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs

Rushing: 94 attempts, -16 yards, 3 TDs

Jacob Clark's Combine Results (Not Invited)

40-Yard Dash: n/a

10-Yard Split: n/a

Vertical Jump: n/a

Broad Jump: n/a

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a

Bench Press: n/a
NFL Draft: Mel Kiper QB Rankings
The wait is finally over—the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh kicks off tonight. In a high-stakes April 21 update, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. delivered his definitive Big Board and positional rankings, providing the final blueprint for a quarterback class that could reshape the league. While Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza remains the undisputed No. 1 prospect, Kiper’s expanded Top 15 list proves that front offices are still wrestling with the depth of this year's signal-callers.

Last-Minute Shuffles and New Contenders

The elite tier has officially locked in, but the mid-round hierarchy underwent a late shakeup. Alabama’s Ty Simpson has firmly entrenched himself at No. 2, maintaining his status as a Top 25 overall prospect. However, the battle for the next wave saw a significant swap: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) has reclaimed the No. 4 spot, pushing Penn State's Drew Allar down to No. 5.

The rest of the Top 10 remains steady, but the pool of viable targets has grown. Kiper’s final board now features 15 quarterbacks, headlined by two major late-cycle additions:
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): Vaulted into the rankings at No. 11 following a surge in momentum.
- Joey Aguilar (Tennessee): Debuted at No. 14, providing an option for teams looking for value in the late rounds.
With Cole Payton (NDSU) holding strong at No. 6 over Arkansas’s Taylen Green, the stage is set for a historic night in the Steel City. The hunt for a franchise anchor has officially reached its boiling point.