Scouting the 2026 Quarterbacks: In-Depth Reviews of the Top Passers

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class arrives with more buzz—and more questions—than any in recent memory. From elite pocket architects who’ve mastered the rhythm-and-timing game to athletic dual-threats capable of turning broken plays into highlight reels, this group offers something for every offensive philosophy. With established winners like Clemson’s polished Cade Klubnik and Penn State’s pro-ready Drew Allar joined by rising talents such as LSU’s play-action maestro Garrett Nussmeier and Indiana’s pinpoint passer Fernando Mendoza, teams will covet their chance to build around this rare blend of size, arm talent, and football IQ.

But beyond the headliners lie potential game-changers in unconventional molds: South Carolina’s bruising signal-caller LaNorris Sellers, whose 240-plus-pound frame and sub-4.7 speed have redefined the term “dual-threat,” and Arkansas’s sky-high athlete Taylen Green, whose 6’6″, 224-pound frame sprints a 4.54-second forty. Even developmental prospects like Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson showcase enough poise, arm strength, and intangibles to justify early roster spots. In a league that demands both plug-and-play readiness and ceiling-so-high-it’s-almost-intoxicating upside, this class could reshape quarterbacking for the next decade.

In the pages that follow, we’ll dive deep into the ten names most likely to hear their names called on draft night, examining each player’s background, measurables, college production, and pro projection. Whether you’re charting your mock boards, scouting for fit in a Shanahan-style system, or simply coveting the next franchise face of your club, you’ll find the insights you need to separate hype from genuine, long-term starter potential. Strap in—it’s time to meet the quarterbacks poised to redefine the NFL’s future.

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Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers

Position: Quarterback

Height/Weight: 6 ft 2 in, 210 lb

Forty-Yard Dash: 4.65 sec

Birthdate: October 10, 2003; Austin, Texas

High School: Westlake HS (Austin, TX) – Passed for 7,426 yd, 86 TD vs. 7 INT; three straight state titles; Elite 11 MVP; Gatorade Texas POY

College Class: Senior (’25); Marketing major

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Early Life & High School Dominance

A native of Austin, Cade Klubnik broke onto the national scene at Westlake High School, where he shattered records previously held by Drew Brees, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger. Over his prep career he completed 67% of his passes for 7,426 yards, 86 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, leading Westlake to three consecutive state championships in Texas’s highest classification . A five-star recruit, Klubnik earned Elite 11 MVP honors in 2021 and was named both the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year and All-American Bowl Player of the Year. His poise and polished footwork at that camp immediately marked him as an NFL-style prospect rather than a pure spread-system passer .

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College Production & Accolades

After redshirting in 2022 behind DJ Uiagalelei, Klubnik took over the Clemson offense in 2023 and made an immediate impact. Through three seasons he’s amassed 7,180 passing yards, 57 TDs and 18 INTs, adding 784 rush yards and 13 scores on the ground . In 2024 alone he completed 63.4% of his throws (308/486) for 3,639 yd, 36 TD vs. 6 INT, ranking 12th nationally in QBR (78.7) while earning his second ACC Championship Game MVP . His 43 total touchdowns last season were the most by a Clemson QB since Trevor Lawrence in 2019 .

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Arm Talent & Accuracy

Klubnik operates from a clean three-step and five-step drop, consistently delivering the football with touch and timing. His intermediate accuracy—dig routes, seam concepts and curl-to-flat combos—is elite, regularly dropping the ball into tight windows for YAC opportunities . While early questions centered on whether he could drive the football vertically, his 2024 tape shows improved deep ball velocity and trajectory; scouts note that he now challenges safety-level coverage more often than he did as a sophomore . His zip on 15–30-yard throws rivals many senior draft hopefuls, though true “laser” velocity on 60-plus-yard bombs remains an area for ongoing work.

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Pocket Poise & Football IQ

One of Klubnik’s standout traits is his pocket presence. He sets a firm base and surveys multiple levels, rolling his shoulders smoothly to avoid rush lanes while keeping his eyes downfield. When pressured, his feel for the pocket allows him to slide laterally and reset—not to escape—but to buy incrementally more time for his progressions . His decision-making is advanced: he knows when to push into tight windows versus when to throw the hot-read checkdown, and he shows a mature “throw it away” mentality rather than forcing a turnover .

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Athleticism & Mobility

At 210 lb he’s more than just a statue in the pocket. Klubnik can pick up first downs with his legs—he’s run for 784 yd and 13 TDs in college—and he routinely converts broken-play situations into positive gains . He isn’t Lamar Jackson-level explosive, but he’s more than a stationary passer. His 4.65 40-time underlines his straight-line speed, and he’s adept in RPO schemes .

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Areas for Growth

• Downfield Zip: Though much improved, his arm can still “flatten out” on the deepest throws; elite clubs may want even more on-time heat versus top NFL athletes.

• Anticipatory Accuracy: Occasionally he holds the ball a hair too long on timing routes, impacting rhythm for separation-based concepts.

• Muscle Memory on Deep Release: When under duress, his platform can hitch slightly, costing a few extra frames on throw timing .

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NFL Projection & Comparison

Klubnik profiles as a Day 1 starter in a timing-based, rhythm-driven offense (think Shanahan, LaFleur or Arthur Smith). His polish, character and ascending trajectory draw comparisons to a “Matthew Stafford Lite”—a high-floor, high-ceiling passer with Pro Bowl upside. Barring injury, he’s likely a Top 10 pick, and with another strong senior season he could even be in play for the No. 1 overall selection.