2026 Draft Eligible Quarterbacks - Early Top 5

Newt Westen

All summer long, I’ve been diving into film and breaking down the top draft-eligible quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft. Sure, a few of these guys might decide to stick around in college another year—but even so, this group is loaded with talent. Starting with an honorable mention and working our way down from No. 5 to No. 1, we’ll count down some of the best quarterbacks in the country. Let’s get into it!

Honorable Mention, Sam Leavitt

• Height: 6’2”

• Weight: 200 lbs

• School: Arizona State

I couldn't bring myself to leave Leavitt off. Sam Leavitt is a mobile playmaker with natural scrambling ability and a knack for keeping plays alive, often making smart decisions under pressure. He pushes the ball downfield enough to complement his legs and rarely takes unnecessary sacks. As a passer, however, he’s still developing—deep accuracy is shaky and much of his production has come in schemed looks. His 13.3% pressure-to-sack rate highlights his escapability, but proving he can win consistently from the pocket will define his draft stock.

5. Drew Allar

• Height: 6’5”

• Weight: 238 lbs

• School: Penn State

Drew Allar is a traditional pocket passer with clean mechanics, excellent presence, and the arm talent to challenge defenses vertically. He reads the field well and has proven composure in big moments. Too often, though, he leaned on key weapons and struggled with accuracy on routine throws, occasionally sailing passes. With a 104.5 NFL rating, Allar has the tools to be a steady first-rounder if he spreads the ball more effectively in 2025..

4. Cade Klubnik

• Height: 6’2”

• Weight: 210 lbs

• School: Clemson

Cade Klubnik is a refined thrower with a compact motion, great touch downfield, and the ability to deliver to every part of the field. His pocket presence is advanced, keeping him calm against pressure. Ball security is a real concern, as his nine fumbles in 2024 reflect, and he adds little as a runner. If he tightens up decision-making on short throws and protects the football, Klubnik is built to thrive in a pro-style system.

3. LaNorris Sellers

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 242 lbs

• School: South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers combines a massive frame with a quick release and developing ability to work through progressions. His arm talent and build stand out immediately, giving him rare upside. Accuracy, however, wavers, and pressure often leads to erratic mechanics and mistakes. With a 74.6% adjusted completion rate, Sellers has shown growth as a passer, but finding consistency will determine whether he reaches his top-tier potential.

2. Garrett Nussmeier

• Height: 6’2”

• Weight: 200 lbs

• School: LSU

Garrett Nussmeier is an accurate distributor who places the football precisely and thrives in the pocket, showing poise and natural confidence. His arm allows him to hit all areas of the field, and his ability to spread the ball makes him dangerous. Deep throws sometimes sail, and his decision-making can falter under pressure. With two bowl MVPs and a 96.4 NFL passer rating, Nussmeier projects as a polished, day-one NFL starter.

1. Arch Manning

• Height: 6’4”

• Weight: 225 lbs

• School: Texas

Arch Manning is a polished passer with NFL size and pedigree, showcasing effortless arm strength and accuracy to every level. He moves well in and out of the pocket, pairing anticipation with a beautiful deep ball. At times, he’ll scramble instead of taking a checkdown and can get too relaxed under pressure. With an 87.6 passer grade and elite tools, Manning has everything to become a franchise quarterback if he declares for 2026.