2026 Quarterback Class | Page 23 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2026 Quarterback Class

Phinslife said:
Draft Allar to sit behind Tua. Low Risk > High reward type of dude. If you don't see it next year than move on.
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I don't understand the fascination with a guy who never got it done in a big spot. He played for a PSU team that has perennially had good defenses, good RB's and good OL's but they don't beat good teams inside or outside of the Big 10. He's Mitch Trubisky, I'd rather roll the dice on Carson Beck or even Sawyer Robertson.
 
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Finswatch said:
I don't understand the fascination with a guy who never got it done in a big spot. This is a team that has perennially had good defenses, good RB's and good OL's but they don't beat good teams inside or outside of the Big 10. He's Mitch Trubisky, I'd rather roll the dice on Carson Beck or even Sawyer Robertson.
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I don’t get it either. Talk of 3rd round is crazy to me.
 
Phinslife said:
Its crazy because if he was healthy he would be high first rd. Pick. I think he could be a steal. He just needs to calm his damn nerves when the stakes get high and he would be just fine.
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I don't think he'd be a high first round pick unless he led Penn State to a meaningful win which he wasn't doing even when healthy.

Calming nerves when the stakes get high is an important thing and not something that gets easier once you turn pro.

The guy had everything he needed to succeed at a major college program but his lack of accuracy and tendency to panic under pressure make him a high risk prospect for me

12 for 23 for 135 yards and a game sealing pick against ND last year in that playoff game. Allar played against a really good ND defense but this is more representative of what he'll see in the pros. Our current Dolphins QB does that too in big game and I don't want him either.
 
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Finswatch said:
I don't think he'd be a high first round pick unless he led Penn State to a meaningful win which he wasn't doing even when healthy.

Calming nerves when the stakes get high is an important thing and not something that gets easier once you turn pro.

The guy had everything he needed to succeed at a major college program but his lack of accuracy and tendency to panic under pressure make him a high risk prospect for me

12 for 23 for 135 yards and a game sealing pick against ND last year in that playoff game. Allar played against a really good ND defense but this is more representative of what he'll see in the pros. Our current Dolphins QB does that too in big game and I don't want him either.
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But that coach isnt McD or have Achane, etc.
 
Here’s PFFs top 35 QBs and their big board rank:

1. Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide​

Big board rank: 20​

Simpson has the foundational tools of a future NFL quarterback, including mobility and escapability. However, he currently lacks live-game experience, consistency, and the ability to anticipate and process at a high level. He's still a developmental prospect with physical upside, but he must grow mentally and mechanically to reach his potential.

2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers​

Big board rank: 23​

Mendoza looks the part of an NFL quarterback, with above-average size and sufficient arm strength. He flashes good touch, particularly on sideline throws. He also demonstrates the patience to work through progressions, although his lower-body mechanics can break down under pressure. As of this preseason evaluation, he must improve his vision against zone coverage, a key factor in his high turnover-worthy play rate.

3. Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks​

Big board rank: 27​

Analysis Coming soon!

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers​

Big board rank: 92​

Nussmeier is the son of a former NFL quarterback, and it shows, even if you don't recognize the name. He plays with confidence rooted in sound fundamentals, an understanding of defensive windows and solid zip on his throws. He's a gunslinger, and with that comes the good and the bad. His smaller frame may be a limitation, but it's hard not to want to give him a chance to lead an offense.

5. Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans​

Big board rank: 94​

Analysis Coming soon!

6. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils​

Big board rank: 104​

Leavitt is a young, inexperienced quarterback who lacks polish in his mechanics, shows late reads and throws off his back foot. However, his arm talent is undeniable. The ball explodes off his hand with NFL velocity, and he flashes high-level throws on the move. While he's far from a finished product, his physical tools are the kind the NFL often bets on early in the draft process.

7. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Game****s​

Big board rank: 109​

Sellers is a physically gifted quarterback with ideal size, a strong arm, and notable running ability. His raw tools alone will earn him a long developmental leash. However, he currently lacks the feel and field vision needed to operate a pro-style passing game. He struggles to read defenses, often missing zone coverage cues and failing to progress through reads. While his playmaking ability on the ground is a real asset, he'll need significant growth in decision-making, processing and mechanics to become a viable NFL quarterback. Sellers offers high upside but remains a long-term developmental prospect.

8. John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners​

Big board rank: 111​

Mateer plays with an infectious confidence both as a passer and runner. His sidearm release and pitcher-style follow-through are unconventional, but they function well enough in the short and intermediate game. He'll need to develop better touch on deep passes and clean up his mechanics to become more consistent. Mateer's physical profile is a concern at the NFL level, but there's a lot of Baker Mayfield in his game — a size outlier with an edge and live arm. Time will tell if he can showcase those traits in the SEC at Oklahoma.

9. Carson Beck, Miami (FL) Hurricanes​

Big board rank: 123​

Beck already looks like a pro in several areas. He has NFL size, polished fundamentals and the ability to play from under center. He shows a solid understanding of defensive structure and consistently layers throws between zones with confidence. While he does have some concerning moments under pressure, that's not uncommon. Beck has the tools to project as a potential starter — the question is whether his consistency and upside are strong enough to warrant early draft capital.

10. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers​

Big board rank: 127​

Klubnik brings a winner's mentality, supported by consistent success at the high school and college levels. When his mechanics are clean, he's an easy watch. But as a pro prospect, he faces natural limitations tied to his size. His lack of height forces him to stand on his toes and shortens his follow-through, affecting his placement. He has enough arm talent, but it often requires full-body effort. If he can become more consistent fundamentally, especially on the run, he is an intriguing athletic passer.

11. Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions​

Big board rank: 150​

Allar passes the eye test of an NFL quarterback, but the jury is still out on his film. A former pitcher, he once said he either struck batters out or walked them, and that's how he plays quarterback right now: a lot of good, and a lot of regrets. His best throws are the best in the class, but he lacks consistency in how, when and why the ball comes out of his hands. Allar has starter-level tools, but he must show more respect for defenses and commit more fully to the fundamentals to reach his potential.

12. Trinidad Chambliss, Mississippi Rebels​

Big board rank: 161​

Analysis Coming soon!

13. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati Bearcats​

Big board rank: 176​

Analysis Coming soon!

14. Josh Hoover, TCU Horned Frogs​

Big board rank: 183​

Analysis Coming soon!

15. Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks​

Big board rank: 191​

Daniels brings an unorthodox play style that can appear chaotic, yet often results in success. He has average NFL arm talent but would be an outlier in terms of height. A notable back injury caused him to miss most of the 2023 season. Right now, Daniels is intriguing for his big-play ability outside of structure, but he'll need to become more consistent and learn to anticipate throws within structure to earn a real NFL opportunity.

16. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores​

Big board rank: 203​

Pavia is the kind of player fans rally around — he is an undersized underdog who plays with grit and belief, often leading overmatched teams to surprising success. But at the pro level, he'll face the same underdog status. His size is far below NFL norms, and while comparisons to Kyler Murray or Bryce Young may come up, he lacks Murray's dynamic athleticism and Young's passing polish. Still, Pavia offers RPO and option experience, a fearless running style and the kind of attitude that coaches and teammates respect. He projects as a Day 3 or UDFA type, but one likely to become a fan favorite wherever he lands.

17. Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils​

Big board rank: 218​

Mensah is a cerebral quarterback with a high completion rate and a good understanding of the game. His touch passing stands out, though it often feels necessary, given his limited arm strength. At this stage, his physical tools aren't quite NFL-ready. He'll need to get bigger and stronger to project as a viable pro prospect.

18. Beau Pribula, Missouri Tigers​

Big board rank: 224​

Analysis Coming soon!

19. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers Scarlet Knights​

Big board rank: 229​

Analysis Coming soon!

20. Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini​

Big board rank: 235​

Altmyer is a confident operator in Illinois' offense, showing a smooth release and solid touch in the short and intermediate areas. He's comfortable under center and handles timing concepts well. However, his struggles with deep passing, subpar arm strength and poor sack avoidance raise questions about his ability to stand out among NFL-caliber quarterbacks.

21. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears​

Big board rank: 238​

Robertson looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He has the size and arm strength to rip it at the next level. His wide kick in the follow-through, likely a carryover from his baseball days, doesn't appear to impact his accuracy. While not a true dual-threat, he's athletic enough to pick up first downs with his legs. He consistently gives his receivers a chance to win one-on-one, which leads to solid results against man coverage. However, he can struggle to assess the range of defenders in off-zone looks. If he can cut down on risky throws in those situations, he has a shot at becoming a top-100 draft selection.

22. Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks​

Big board rank: 242​

Green is a strong athlete for his size, particularly at quarterback, with tools that flash at times. However, his development as a passer is still raw, marked by inconsistent mechanics, poor anticipation, and limited pre-snap processing. In his current state, Green may have more upside as a position convert to wide receiver or tight end, where his athletic traits could translate more effectively to the NFL.

23. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State Spartans​

Big board rank: 248​

Chiles is an intriguing quarterback with a solid NFL frame and natural arm velocity. His development from Oregon State to Michigan State was notable, particularly in his ability to process defenses. However, he still needs refinement in his mechanics, decision-making, and poise under pressure. If he continues to build on his growth, Chiles could become a legitimate NFL prospect.

24. Tommy Castellanos, Florida State Seminoles​

Big board rank: 250​

Analysis Coming soon!

25. Jackson Arnold, Auburn Tigers​

Big board rank: 256​

Arnold is a solid athlete with dual-threat capability and strong familiarity with RPO and option systems. However, as a passer, he currently lacks poise under pressure and struggles to anticipate throws between zones. With a fresh start at Auburn, he'll have a chance to refine his game and prove he can take the next step as a true passing threat.

26. Byrum Brown, USF Bulls​

Big board rank: 257​

Analysis Coming soon!

27. Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats​

Big board rank: 260​

Analysis Coming soon!

28. Miller Moss, Louisville Cardinals​

Big board rank: 261​

Moss faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot due to his outlier size and lack of arm strength, both of which leave little room for error. However, he shows a high-level understanding of how to win with technique, timing, eye discipline and anticipation. His profile mirrors a potential Jake Browning-type outcome: a backup with the ability to step in and succeed in the right spot.

29. Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh Panthers​

Big board rank: 264​

Holstein enters 2025 with just one year of starting experience, and it shows. He's prone to turnover-worthy plays, lacks consistent touch, and his lower-body mechanics are still developing. However, his arm talent stands out particularly on intermediate throws that flash NFL-level difficulty. While his performance under pressure needs work, there are flashes of pocket poise. Holstein is still raw but owns the foundational traits of a future NFL quarterback.

30. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins​

Big board rank: 266​

Iamaleava brings all the tools of an NFL quarterback: the height to see over the line, a long and powerful arm, a quick and compact release and twitchy footwork in the pocket. His accuracy and decision-making remain works in progress. He often locked onto primary reads in 2024, but his tape already features several NFL-caliber throws. Improved efficiency in his new offense at UCLA could position him as a top prospect in the 2026 draft.

31. Jake Retzlaff, Tulane Green Wave​

Big board rank: 274​

Retzlaff lacks prototypical NFL size but carries a solid, compact build that may help his durability. He works well within 25 yards and shows confidence throwing into intermediate zone windows, especially over the middle. However, his arm strength appears limited, as suggested by his open stance, sidearm release and the need to generate power with his whole body. His accuracy dipped notably on deeper throws and when required to throw with touch, raising concerns about consistency at the next level.

32. Conner Weigman, Houston Cougars​

Big board rank: 275​

Weigman shows flashes of NFL-caliber passing, but they're just that — flashes. His tape is marked by high-variance play, with moments of hesitation and panicked mechanics under duress. While he possesses the necessary tools, his inconsistency and decision-making currently prevent him from being considered in the early rounds.

33. Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones​

Big board rank: 277​

Analysis Coming soon!

34. Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech Hokies​

Big board rank: 289​

Analysis Coming soon!

35. Kevin Jennings, SMU Mustangs​

Big board rank: 301​

Jennings is a fun and effective college quarterback. At the NCAA level, you can enjoy his slipperiness in the pocket and flashes of out-of-structure playmaking without worrying about his size or arm ceiling. However, through an NFL lens, Jennings lacks the physical tools, particularly in terms of size and arm talent, to meet the baseline required to play the position at the next level. He'll be a clear underdog throughout the draft process, but his toughness and playmaking may earn him a shot in a camp setting.
 
Ric Serritella on John Mateer:

OKLAHOMA QB JOHN MATEER: “NOT THINKING ABOUT NFL

There has been much speculation surrounding the draft status of Oklahoma signal-caller John Mateer as the Sooners get set to host LSU in their regular season finale. The dual-threat phenomenon was pressed about his plans to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft earlier this week.

“Not really [thinking about the NFL]. We got the most important game of the year coming up because it’s the next one,” he said. “These guys deserve everything I have.”

Once considered to be in the mix for first round contention and a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, Mateer suffered a broken bone in his right throwing hand midway through the season, which required surgery and resulted in him missing several weeks. Since his return to the saddle, Mateer has thrown for just four touchdown passes and four interceptions in his past six games.

However, his recent struggles hasn’t deterred Mateer from keeping a positive outlook. “It’s a lot of me ... just taking short, easy stuff, keeping us in efficient situations and then hitting the shots,” he said in response to his recent stretch. “Those can be game-changers. We tried it a little more and just didn’t land them, which is fine. We’ll get better. Just gotta get more game reps at it.” From a leadership and accountability standpoint, Mateer checks off all the boxes.

At this stage of his development, Mateer would likely be better suited to return to Norman for another year and continue to refine his overall game. More of a point guard than pro-level quarterback, he often tends to improvise when his first read is taken away, a testament to his playmaking ability. Although, for the Texas native to sustain success at the next level, he will need to develop more of a pocket presence and learn to move onto the next progression.

Thus far on the season, Mateer is completing 62.3% of his passes, for 2,260 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The fiery commando has also added 389 rushing yards and seven scores via the ground in 10 games. Currently, he ranks as the No.9 rated draft-eligible quarterback, according to NFL Draft Bible.
 
It's too bad Fifita the QB from Arizona is a dwarf, otherwise he would be in the conversation. The kid's got moxy and guts!
 
I didn't see Joey Aguilar on that list. Size, arm and results. He is just a 24 yo in his first and likely only FBS season.

I'd put him right just under Sorsby.
 
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Arch hasn’t impressed me at all this year but he definitely has an elite skill set and an elite pedigree that will benefit from another year. He will return to Texas and be a top pick next year.
 
Carne Asada said:
I didn't see Joey Aguilar on that list. Size, arm and results. He is just a 24 yo in his first and likely only FBS season.

I'd put him right just under Sorsby.
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It’s draft eligible QBs, I don’t think Aguilar is eligible if he’s just played one season. Here is what I got when I googled it:

Joey Aguilar is not currently draft-eligible based on traditional NCAA rules, but he has joined a lawsuit that could grant him another year of eligibility, allowing him to enter the 2026 NFL draft. While he previously stated his intention to pursue the NFL, his involvement in the lawsuit makes his future uncertain, as it could open the door for him to return to college football for a final
 
Finsup81 said:
It’s draft eligible QBs, I don’t think Aguilar is eligible if he’s just played one season. Here is what I got when I googled it:

Joey Aguilar is not currently draft-eligible based on traditional NCAA rules, but he has joined a lawsuit that could grant him another year of eligibility, allowing him to enter the 2026 NFL draft. While he previously stated his intention to pursue the NFL, his involvement in the lawsuit makes his future uncertain, as it could open the door for him to return to college football for a final
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He is eligible. He is a senior in fact.
 
Ric Serritella on Julian Sayin:

FUTURE WACTH: OHIO STATE QB-WR DUO ONES TO WATCH FOR
You would never tell that Ohio State signal-caller Julian Sayin was a freshman by the way he commands the offense and throws his receivers open. The Heisman contender is mature beyond his years with the confidence of a future champion in waiting. Sayin throws a very catchable ball where only his targets can catch it, as demonstrated on his beautiful 35-yard touch pass to projected 2027 first round pick Jeremiah Smith, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday.

The aforementioned deep ball to Tate was also dropped right in the bread basket, showcasing his impressive deep ball prowess. As Sayin continues to develop, he’ll learn how to see his secondary options much better, which will really elevate his overall game to another stratosphere. The way Sayin is trending, he would appear to be the odds-on favorite to be the No.1 overall pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
 
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