If your team didn’t find a quarterback in the 2026 draft, it could be worth an entry in the gratitude journal.
General managers practiced what most believed about the ’26 draft class — it could be one of the thinnest on star potential in years.
The one player most agreed was worth the freight is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. But at this time last year, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner was barely on the radar.
Teams that stood still in the QB market in 2026 are pining for what’s next: a potentially loaded group with another Manning trying to climb to the top.
Here are five QBs who could be front and center during the 2027 NFL Draft:
1. CJ Carr, Notre Dame Redshirt Sophomore in 2026
Carr has football blood in his veins and impressive pocket presence to fire accurate passes in the face of the blitz. Notre Dame narrowly missed a playoff spot in Carr’s first season. He has all the tools to will the Irish run next season.
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Redshirt Junior in 2026
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) looks to pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Sayin was the top quarterback in his recruiting class and started off his career strong, placing in
the Heisman race in his sophomore season. While some question whether Sayin has the live arm to be a top-of-class prospect, there’s no doubting his functional athleticism and accuracy are more than enough to earn a shot as a starter in the NFL.
3. Arch Manning, Texas Redshirt Junior in 2026
Much more than a product of nepotism, this Manning has the arm and athleticism to match top
quarterbacks in the league already. He mellowed out and has cut down on turnovers after a rough first half of his sophomore season, and a big jump could be in the cards this fall.
4. Sam Leavitt, LSU Redshirt Junior in 2022
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes during a practice inside the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe on Aug. 12, 2025. Leavitt was coveted in the transfer portal and put on the travel miles to sit down with high-profile programs. It’s easy to see why he rated as the portal’s most wanted QB. Leavitt is a natural thrower with great scrambling ability and the mechanics to make accurate, off-platform throws. His upside is evident and Leavitt could be certified as a legitimate first-round prospect if he avoids injury and performs in spotlight games.
5. Darian Mensah, Miami Junior in 2026
After initially sticking with Duke and briefly leading the nation in loyalty points, Mensah found more green and hopes for greener grass with national title runner-up Miami. He’ll replace Carson Beck and has the great accuracy and slippery pocket elusiveness to push the Hurricanes’ mission forward.
