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2026 NFL Draft QB Class Called 'The Worst We've Ever Seen'
Experts and fans are unimpressed with the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm
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With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, experts and fans are already voicing concerns about the quality of the quarterback class. ESPN's Mel Kiper projects only two QBs to be selected in the first round, led by Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Other top prospects like Alabama's Ty Simpson, Miami's Carson Beck, and Penn State's Drew Allar are seen as mid-to-late round picks at best, with some fans predicting several could go undrafted. The consensus is that this is one of the weakest QB classes in recent memory, leaving teams in need of a franchise signal-caller disappointed.
Why it matters
A strong quarterback class is crucial for many NFL teams looking to find their next long-term starter. With several teams potentially in the market for a QB, the lack of elite prospects in 2026 could lead to reaches, disappointment, and continued QB struggles for those franchises.
The details
According to early mock drafts and rankings, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is seen as the top quarterback prospect, but even he is projected as a late first-round pick at best. Alabama's Ty Simpson, Miami's Carson Beck, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, and Penn State's Drew Allar are all viewed as day two or later selections, with some fans predicting a few could go undrafted. Experts and fans alike are lamenting the overall weakness of this QB class, comparing it to past weak years like 2013 and 2022.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in the spring of 2026.
The players
Fernando Mendoza
The Indiana Hoosiers' starting quarterback, projected as the top QB prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ty Simpson
The Alabama Crimson Tide's quarterback, seen as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick.
Carson Beck
The Miami Hurricanes' quarterback, projected as a mid-to-late round draft selection.
Trinidad Chambliss
The Ole Miss Rebels' quarterback, expected to be a day two or later draft pick.
Garrett Nussmeier
The LSU Tigers' quarterback, viewed as a day two or later draft prospect.
Drew Allar
The Penn State Nittany Lions' quarterback, projected as a mid-to-late round draft selection.
What’s next
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams in need of a quarterback will have to carefully evaluate this class and determine if any of the prospects are worth investing a high draft pick in. With the consensus being that this is one of the weakest QB classes in recent memory, many will likely be hoping for a stronger group of signal-callers to emerge in 2027.
The takeaway
The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class is widely viewed as one of the weakest in recent memory, leaving teams in need of a franchise QB disappointed and potentially forced to reach for lesser talents or wait until 2027 to address the position. This highlights the importance of quarterback development and the challenge teams face in finding elite talent at the game's most important position.
