2026 NFL Draft rankings: Where do QBs rank behind Fernando Mendoza?

[ASFN Admin]

When it comes to quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft, it's Fernando Mendoza, and then everybody else.

Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion out of Indiana, is the clear top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class. He's widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft when the Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock.

Behind Mendoza is a class of a handful of other quarterback prospects who all have promising tools but have so far been unable to put them together cohesively. That's led to a wide gap between Mendoza at the top of the class and the next-best quarterback, widely considered to be Alabama's Ty Simpson – who isn't a lock to hear his name called in Round 1.

USA TODAY Sports' draft expert Ayrton Ostly ranked the top prospects in the draft class on his big board. Here's how the quarterback prospects stack up in the top 200:

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2026 NFL Draft: Ranking top QB prospects​

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana​

Scouting report: Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in what's been an unprecedented year for the Hoosiers program. He has NFL size at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds with a surprisingly quick release. His arm talent fits the bill but what stands out on tape from Mendoza is his post-snap processing. That football IQ gives him a high floor in the NFL even if his ceiling is capped by his good-but-not-great mobility and arm talent.

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama​

Scouting report: Simpson looked like a potential No. 1 pick at times this season for Alabama, his first as a starter. He's shown flashes that point to a long-term starter in the NFL, thanks to his pocket awareness, accuracy, timing, processing and quick release. He did struggle at times down the stretch for Alabama; four of his five interceptions came in the final six games of 2025 compared to one over his first nine.

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU​

Scouting report: Underperformed in 2025 and dealt with a core injury for much of the season. Good football IQ and NFL bloodlines (father is New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier). When he's on, he throws with ideal anticipation and great processing with an NFL arm and plus mobility. When he's off, shows gunslinger mentality and concerns over his smaller frame.

4. Taylen Green, Arkansas​

Scouting report: Arguably the best athlete at the position in this class. Strong arm allows him to access all areas of the field. Dynamic runner for his size. Can make game-changing plays at will. Makes too many turnover-worthy throws and his mechanics are inconsistent. Needs to improve as a pure passer to reach his ceiling.

5. Drew Allar, Penn State​

Scouting report: The size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and arm talent have drawn comparisons to Josh Allen. Was considered a Round 1 prospect thanks to his tools entering 2025 but underperformed before a season-ending injury. If medicals clear, he's a fascinating prospect. Shows anticipation, touch, and competitiveness to complement his tools, but mechanics can fail him at times. Awareness needs to improve to lower risky throws.

6. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)​

Scouting report: Took a step in 2025 in Miami as a passer after relying on offensive talent at Georgia. Best in timing-based systems to maximize his anticipation and touch. Struggles when pressured and lacks elite arm strength. Accounted for too many turnovers in college.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson​

Scouting report: Dual-threat quarterback who underperformed in 2025 but still has a quick release, good rhythm and accuracy when not pressured.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL Draft position rankings: Best available QB prospects

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