Top 2026 NFL Draft QB Prospects Highlighted

Four quarterbacks expected to be drafted in the first four rounds are profiled.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:46am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and their varied playing styles.A cubist interpretation of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, their diverse skill sets deconstructed into a dynamic, geometric composition.Penn State Erie Today

An overview of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four prospects who are expected to be drafted between Round One-Four: Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, Ty Simpson of Alabama, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, and Drew Allar of Penn State.

Why it matters

The quarterback position is always a key focus for NFL teams in the draft, and this year's class features several intriguing prospects with diverse skill sets that could make an impact at the next level.

The details

Fernando Mendoza led the FBS in passing touchdowns in 2025 with 41 and spurred Indiana to a National Championship. Ty Simpson accumulated 30 touchdowns in 2025 for Alabama and is a speedy processor with the capability of making plays off-script. Garrett Nussmeier has an aggressive, gunslinger mentality and a strong arm, while Drew Allar of Penn State effortlessly creates drive and velocity down the field on vertical shots.

  • In 2025, Fernando Mendoza set Indiana's single-season school record with 41 passing touchdowns.
  • Ty Simpson had 30 touchdowns for Alabama in 2025 after spending time as an underclassman behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.
  • Garrett Nussmeier's 2025 campaign was limited by an abdominal injury.
  • Drew Allar finished his Penn State career with 73 total touchdowns, the third-most in school history.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy winner and Davey O'Brien Award recipient led the FBS in passing touchdowns in 2025 with 41 against six interceptions. Mendoza spurred Indiana to a National Championship and is an outstanding processor who can make any throw with touch and accuracy.

Ty Simpson

Simpson accumulated 30 touchdowns in 2025 for Alabama, commanding their spread offense. He has 15 career starts after spending time as an underclassman behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, but he is a speedy processor with the capability of making plays off-script on bootlegs.

Garrett Nussmeier

Nussmeier has an aggressive, gunslinger mentality on the field and can fit darts into tight windows. He has a strong arm and football running in his veins as the son of a longtime college/NFL coach.

Drew Allar

A three-year starter at Penn State, Allar began his collegiate tenure with an FBS-record 311 passing attempts without a single interception and finished with 73 total touchdowns (third-most in school history) before suffering an ankle injury during his senior campaign.

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What they’re saying

“The Heisman Trophy winner and Davey O'Brien Award recipient led the FBS in passing touchdowns in 2025 with 41 (single-season school record) against six interceptions.”

— Brianna Dix

“Ty Simpson accumulated 30 touchdowns in 2025 for the Tide, commanding their spread offense.”

— Brianna Dix

“Garrett Nussmeier has an aggressive, gunslinger mentality on the field and can fit darts into tight windows.”

— Brianna Dix

“A three-year starter at Penn State, Drew Allar began his collegiate tenure with an FBS-record 311 passing attempts without a single interception and finished with 73 total touchdowns (third-most in school history) before suffering an ankle injury during his senior campaign.”

— Brianna Dix

The takeaway

This year's quarterback draft class features several intriguing prospects with diverse skill sets, including strong-armed gunslingers, mobile playmakers, and cerebral pocket passers. NFL teams will have plenty of options to address their quarterback needs in the 2026 draft.