2026 Rookie Quarterback Rankings | Top Five Prospects

by John Laub · Featured
2026 Rookie Quarterback Rankings

Over the past 13 years, including three years with the PlayerProfiler team, I have been analyzing and profiling top quarterback prospects for the NFL Draft, serving dynasty owners and fantasy football enthusiasts. However, I must be honest: the 2026 quarterback class ranks among the bottom two classes I’ve studied during my tenure.

Aside from Fernando Mendoza, who is an elite prospect, the class does not feature a quarterback deserving of a first- or second-round grade. I have provided players’ college resumes and scouting reports to help PlayerProfiler readers evaluate this group of 2026 rookie quarterback candidates more effectively as they prepare for their upcoming dynasty fantasy football drafts. Enjoy the rankings, my fellow draftniks.

View my other 2026 positional Top Six rankings: Wide Receivers | Running Backs | Tight Ends

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2026 Rookie Quarterback Rankings:
Scouting the Signal-Callers

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Prospect Resume

I can’t believe the declaration that I am about to utter: Fernando Mendoza is an underrated quarterback prospect. Since the turn of the 21st Century, the Hoosiers’ signal-caller has recorded a historic college campaign that ranks behind only Tim Tebow (2007), Cam Newton (2010), and Joe Burrow (2019). Despite the incredible success in leading Indiana to an undefeated season (16-0) and a National Championship, too many dynasty owners underrate the “Superman.” What more could he have possibly accomplished on the gridiron to impress the dynasty community?

Last season, Mendoza was Indiana’s First Heisman Winner, All-Big Ten First Team, and All-America First Team. He also captured the Walter Camp and Maxwell Awards. Statistically, he paced the nation in passing touchdowns with 41 while throwing for 3,535 yards and posting a 182.9 passer rating. He logged an impressive 41-6 TD-INT Ratio and rushed for 276 yards and seven scores.

The year before, Mendoza played for California and completed 68.7% of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 16 aerial strikes. He was named ACC Quarterback of the Week three times. In Golden Bears’ history, he concluded the campaign as a top-10 passer in total yards (No. 7), passing efficiency (No. 8), and passing yards (No. 9). As a redshirt freshman in 2023, he was named PAC-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honorable mention after throwing for 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

During his career, Mendoza dashed for 473 rushing yards and 11 scores. In the classroom, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal in three seasons. In 2022, he was a three-star recruit and the No. 72 quarterback prospect coming out of high school.

Film Breakdown and Skills

Mendoza is a natural leader who is well-liked by coaches and teammates. He has an incredibly high football IQ, reading defenses and audibling in and out of plays. At 6’5” and 236 pounds, he has the ideal size and frame to see over defensive linemen and take big hits. He navigates the pocket well, finding space and open lanes to throw the ball. Fearless, he remains focused downfield and absorbs big hits by pass rushers. An anticipatory passer with clean mechanics, Mendoza has superior ball placement, excels on throws outside the hashmarks and in the red zone, and completes passes in the middle of the field with touch. He performs well against man and zone coverages and burns secondaries on deep posts.

At Indiana, Mendoza played in a run-heavy RPO scheme under coach Curt Cignetti and benefited from many easy completions in the Hoosiers’ passing game. He is not an overly creative playmaker when the play breaks down, nor as strong outside structure as difference-making signal-callers like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. When scrambling, he is not as accurate on the move or off-platform. Blitzers up the middle can disrupt Mendoza’s processing, footwork, and mechanics. Despite some limitations, the 6’5″, 236-pounder is a franchise quarterback with a solid floor and enticing ceiling as a fantasy playmaker. 

Scholar’s Grade: A-

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Prospect Resume

Dynasty players, scouts, and teams have been enthralled with Alabama quarterbacks over the past decade. Crimson Tide prospects Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones were all first-round picks, and the Seahawks selected Jalen Milroe in the third round just last year. Ty Simpson wore the Crimson and White in 2025, leaving school after four seasons, only one as a starter.

In 2022, Simpson was a five-star prospect, the No. 25 overall recruit, and the second-ranked player to come out of Tennessee. He was also named Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, passing for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns and rushing for 862 and 11 scores. He participated in Nike’s “The Opening” and was selected to play in the All-American Bowl. Simpson chose Alabama over Clemson, Ole Miss, and his home state of Tennessee.

During his first three seasons on campus, Simpson largely remained on the bench behind Milroe and Young. He attempted just 50 passes while completing 29 for 381 yards without a touchdown, and did not throw an interception. In 2025, Simpson took over the reins of the offense full-time for the Crimson Tide. He was named team captain and earned All-SEC Second Team honors, passing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and completing 64.5% of his throws. He rushed for only 93 yards on 90 carries.

Looking more deeply into Simpson’s campaign, A Tale of Two Seasons would best capture his performance. Alabama opened the season at 8-1, and Simpson was cruising with over 200 passing yards in every game. He tossed for more than 300 yards twice, while also hurling 21 touchdowns. In the final six games, though, the Crimson Tide won only three times. For his part, Simpson completed just seven touchdowns and under 200 passing yards in three contests. With 15 starts under center, the former Alabama field general lacks the game experience of top-level prospects in the past decade.

Film Breakdown and Skills

Simpson would thrive if chosen by a franchise with a seasoned starter, allowing him to observe and learn for a year or two. History shows that players like Carson Palmer (Cincinnati) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City) benefited from taking a redshirt season before leading their NFL offenses. At 6’1” and 211 pounds, Simpson has high leadership skills and football IQ, making presnap decisions, audibles, and line adjustments for the Crimson Tide. With very good mental processing, he dissects defenses well and makes good progression reads.

In the pocket, his eyes and feet move in harmony as a passer and climbs and slides to keep plays alive. His accuracy is exceptional, particularly in intermediate zones and between the hash marks. Notably, he throws receivers open, hitting pass catchers in stride to accumulate yards after the catch (YAC). His composure under pressure, ability to manipulate safeties, and knack for making plays when things go off-script make him an impressive prospect.

The quarterback does not have the frame and build of a prototypical quarterback. Watching film, especially in the second half last season, he failed to overcome pressure, and his mechanics fell apart when the pocket collapsed around him. He lacks consistency on deep passes and shows few anticipatory throws. He is also an older prospect who will turn 24 during his rookie season. In my model, there are two massive red flags I cannot ignore in Simpson’s profile: the number of games started (15) and the number of passes attempted (523) over four seasons in Tuscaloosa, AL.

I never drafted Mitch Trubisky, Trey Lance, or Anthony Richardson in any rookie Dynasty draft and ranked all three lower than consensus. The only reason Simpson ranks second in this group is the class’s overall weakness. Once again, I will be bypassing the former Alabama signal caller unless he falls into the mid-to-late third round and is a value.

Scholar’s Grade: C+

3. Cole Payton, North Dakota State

Prospect Resume

I yearn for the days in which Baltimore’s Jackson and Philly’s Jalen Hurts were second-round selections in dynasty drafts. On my longest-managed dynasty team, I have Jackson and Hurts after selecting both in 2018 and 2020—the team has won two championships in four years. Finally, the dynasty community has caught up with the electric dual-threat signal-callers entering the league. Despite competitors catching up with the blueprint, I still seek value at the position in S-Flex leagues. Therefore, I am going to target Cole Payton based on his current rookie ADP. 

In 2025, Payton earned the starting position for the Bisons after serving as a backup for four seasons. He had an impressive season, passing for 2,719 yards, dashing for 717 yards, and scoring a total of 29 touchdowns—16 through the air and 13 on the ground. His performance earned him All-American Second Team and All-MVC Second Team honors, and he led the FCS with a remarkable 197.4 passer rating. He guided North Dakota State to a 12-1 record and established single-season school marks for pass efficiency (193.8), yards per pass attempt (12.1), and total offense yards per game (268.9).

Furthermore, Payton finished third in the voting for the prestigious Walter Payton Award, known as the FCS Heisman. His outstanding play during the season earned him a spot in the Senior Bowl, where he was named the National Team MVP. Over his entire college career, Payton rushed the ball 287 times, accumulating 1,918 yards and scoring a total of 31 touchdowns. He recorded a long run of 73 yards and produced 13 rushing touchdowns in both 2023 and 2025. Payton illustrated the athletic skills and rushing upside that make a difference on dynasty rosters.

Film Breakdown and Skills

At the Combine, Payton demonstrated impressive athleticism. Among quarterbacks, he finished third in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.56 seconds, and ranked second in the vertical jump (40”), broad jump (10′ 10”), and 3-cone drill (7.12 seconds). His athleticism aligns with the rushing statistics he recorded at NDSU. Standing at 6’3” and 233 pounds, the left-handed passer has a sturdy build and utilizes a three-quarter throwing motion. He shows satisfactory anticipation as a pitcher. Payton is a composed passer who performs well on half-field throws and is above-average on deep balls. When he is in rhythm and feels comfortable, he can be very accurate. He maintains his focus even when defenders are closing in, often enduring significant hits to release the ball.

The biggest concern in Payton’s evaluation is that he has only one season as a starter on his resume. With limited attempts and games played, it raises questions about his understanding of defenses and ability to read coverages. He performed well against man coverage but struggled to solve zones consistently. His accuracy is also questionable—he made several poor throws on tape and during passing drills at the combine. Payton lacks elite-level mechanics, lacking lower-body fluidity and footwork. He had difficulty driving the ball into tight windows and fumbled too often, recording four fumbles on 120 carries last season. Clearly, he is a developmental project. However, he does possess some skills that teams are seeking in today’s game. I plan to target Payton in the third round of my dynasty drafts this season.

Scholar’s Grade: C

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Prospect Resume

Before Jayden Daniels and Burrow donned the Purple and Gold of LSU, more Tigers’ quarterbacks failed to make an impact than succeeded. JaMarcus Russell is one of the biggest busts in draft history.  Zach Mettenberger and Matt Flynn never ascended to a fantasy-worthy level. Last summer, Garrett Nussmeier garnered national headlines as a preseason prospect and looked like another great LSU quarterback.

Regrettably, Nussmeier did not come close to meeting the expectations of scouts and Dynasty players last fall. Despite suffering an abdominal injury during training camp, he opened the campaign behind center but was eventually sidelined in Week 10 after a three-game losing streak. He never returned afterwards and decided to enter the Draft. In 2025, he tossed only 12 touchdowns and passed for 1,927 yards while completing over 67% of his passes. Nussmeier earned an invite to the Senior Bowl and was named the game’s MVP.  

The prior season, he excelled as a passer, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. He guided the Tigers to a 9-4 record and a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor in which he was named the game’s MVP. His 4,052 passing yards ranked tenth in the SEC and second in LSU history. He also earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week against Mississippi and UCLA. During his first three seasons on campus, he saw limited playing time as a backup for the Tigers. In high school, Nussmeier was a four-star recruit and the No. 13-ranked quarterback in the country. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier.

Film Breakdown and Skills

A gunslinger with a strong arm, Nussmeier is an old-school pocket passer at 6’2” and 203 pounds. He has a quick release and sticks the ball into tight windows. He completes passes at all three levels of the defense and drives the ball down the field with a tight spiral. Before the snap, he makes sound decisions. 

Nussmeier navigates the pocket well, climbing to avoid rushers and resettling into a good launch pad. Despite not being a scrambler, he throws well on the move and uses a variety of arm angles to get the ball out. A tough competitor, he inspires his teammates’ passion and rallies them around him. The 2024 tape and production are far superior to last season.

Not a mobile quarterback, the former Tigers’ lack of rushing production (dashing for negative career rushing yards and only five scores in five years) severely limits his upside from a fantasy perspective. He has a sub-par build and frame—Is he durable enough to play a 17-game schedule? Occasionally, he makes rash decisions and forces throws into coverage. He also locks into receivers and stays with the primary target too long. Under pressure, he gets frustrated and is not willing to play another down. With demand exceeding supply at quarterback, Nussmeier will likely be plucked off the board on Day 2 of the Draft. 

Scholar’s Grade: C

5. Taylen Green, Arkansas

Prospect Resume

I remember a time when a quarterback with Taylen Green‘s skills would not even be considered a top 10 prospect. However, so many dual-threat quarterbacks have made significant impacts now. The dynasty community and fantasy players in general cannot overlook Green. After the third round of a dynasty rookie draft, I am seeking high-end difference-makers, and Green exemplifies the risk/reward profile that makes him an intriguing selection.

As a high schooler, Green was a three-star recruit and the No. 21-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation. During his senior season, he passed for 2,431 yards and 22 touchdowns while dashing for 653 yards and seven scores. He also competed in track and field and set a school record in the long jump.

He enrolled at Boise State in 2021 and redshirted his first year. In 2022, he started 10 games for the Broncos and played in 13. When the campaign ended, he earned the Mountain West Freshman of the Year award and was named Freshman All-America Second Team (CFN). As a redshirt sophomore, he passed for 1,752 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 436 and nine scores. After three campaigns, Green transferred to Arkansas, moving up in competition to the SEC.

As a Razorback, Green rose to the challenge. However, it’s important to place his performance in context to understand his profile better. When he played non-SEC opponents, he posted prodigious numbers and led the Razorbacks to victories. However, against SEC rivals, his performance was less productive. Recognizing the difference illuminates the Jekyll/Hyde aspect of Green’s profile as a prospect. During his five-year college career, he passed for nearly 10,000 yards and 59 touchdowns. On the ground, he scampered for over 2,400 yards and 35 scores. The organization selecting Green will have a long-term project with a massive ceiling if he continues to grow and learn professionally.

Film Breakdown and Skills

Over the past five seasons, Green showcased elite-level athleticism. His performance at the combine confirmed these scouting evaluations. He had a remarkable Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99, the second-highest among 1,000 quarterback prospects since 1987. At 6’6” and 227 pounds, he demonstrated impressive speed and explosiveness, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, achieving a vertical jump of 45.5”, and a broad jump of 11’2′. Green is skilled at throwing deep passes and capable of delivering strikes to all three levels of the defense. When he scrambles, he keeps his eyes downfield, seeking open receivers. He excels in designed runs and easily eludes pass rushers.

Despite those enticing skills, he’s not yet a polished passer. His accuracy varies significantly from game to game, ranging from a low of 46% against Missouri to a high of 77% against Alabama A&M. With a long and slow windup, he needs to improve his football processing and timing to release the ball more quickly. When under pressure, his mechanics tend to break down, and he sometimes lacks the necessary touch on his passes. Additionally, he takes too many unnecessary hits and could protect his body better by learning to slide. Nonetheless, Green is a dynamic runner with an impressive arm. There are moments on tape that captivate coaches and fans alike, making him an underrated quarterback in the 2026 class.

Scholar’s Grade: C

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