2026 Draft Preview: Quarterbacks

A look at some of the top QB prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the team uniforms mentioned in the story.The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class offers a diverse array of talented prospects, each with their own unique skills and backgrounds.Today in Pittsburgh

Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers will preview every position, including a look at some of the top quarterback prospects one each unit. The Panthers currently have seven picks in the upcoming draft, including the 19th overall selection in the first round.

Why it matters

The Panthers have put their full support behind starting quarterback Bryce Young, but there is always a chance to add depth and develop talent at the position for the future. This preview provides insight into the top QB prospects that could be available when the Panthers are on the clock.

The details

The quarterback class is headlined by Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who is projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick. Other top prospects include Alabama's Ty Simpson, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, and Miami's Carson Beck. Each brings a unique skillset and background to the 2026 draft.

  • The 2026 NFL draft is set to take place on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The presumed top QB in the 2026 class, Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first football national championship in 2025. He has a strong 6-5, 225-pound frame and finished the season 273-383 passing for 3,536 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Ty Simpson

Some consider the Alabama passer a better long-term prospect than Mendoza, though opinions are divided on whether he has a first-round grade. He finished 2025 with 3,567 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Cade Klubnik

The Clemson QB started his career strong, earning MVP honors in the 2022 ACC Championship game. He capped off his college career in 2025 with 2,946 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Garrett Nussmeier

The veteran LSU QB is the son of former NFL QB Doug Nussmeier. He missed the end of the 2025 season due to an abdominal injury, but in 9 games had 1,922 yards passing, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Carson Beck

Beck spent 5 years at Georgia, winning 2 national championships as a backup QB. He transferred to Miami for his final season and finished 2nd in the FBS with a 72.4% completion percentage.

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The takeaway

The 2026 quarterback class features a diverse group of talented prospects, each with their own unique strengths and backgrounds. As the Panthers look to add depth behind starter Bryce Young, they will have several intriguing options to consider when they are on the clock in the upcoming draft.