2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper shakes up Top 10 QB rankings following latest underclassmen declarations

The 2026 NFL Draft is still three months away, but the top prospects are beginning to separate themselves from the competition. In response, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently updated his rankings of the top 10 quarterback prospects in the draft.

Part of Kiper’s update was simply due to players announcing they were returning to college next season. Most notably, Oregon QB Dante Moore revealed he’s running it back with the Ducks in 2026. Moore was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the draft by most analysts.

With the transfer portal window closed, most draft-eligible QBs have announced their intentions for the upcoming year. With so many talented players to discuss, let’s dive into Kiper’s updated quarterback rankings.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

While Kiper’s rankings underwent several changes, his No. 1 QB remained the same. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza only boosted his draft stock in January while leading Indiana to its first national title in program history.

“While he doesn’t have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws,” Kiper wrote. “His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn’t consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.”

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Alabama’s quarterback position was a question mark entering the 2025 campaign. However, Ty Simpson exceeded expectations. He completed 64.5% of his pass attempts for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, while only throwing five interceptions. Kiper believes Simpson could be a difference-maker for the right team.

“His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn’t start a game until this season, but the production is hard to ignore,” Kiper wrote. “Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there.”

3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss may not be in Kiper’s quarterback prospect rankings much longer. The Ole Miss QB is fighting for an extra year of eligibility after being initially denied. Chambliss began this past season as Ole Miss’ backup QB after transferring in from Division II program Ferris State.

Alas, after Austin Simmons suffered an injury, Chambliss was promoted to QB1. He never allowed the Rebels to take the title away from him. Chambliss was fantastic en route to a College Football Playoff semifinals appearance, tallying 3,937 passing yards, 527 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns.

4. Drew Allar, Penn State

Unlike Chambliss, Allar has never been overlooked. NFL scouts have had their eyes on Allar since the day he stepped on Penn State’s campus. Unfortunately for Allar, he didn’t give the scouts much to be excited about this past season.

In six appearances, Allar completed 64.8% of his pass attempts for 1,110 yards and eight TDs, compared to three interceptions. Allar’s season ended early when he suffered a broken left ankle. He underwent surgery on the injury.

5. Carson Beck, Miami

Carson Beck is the most battle-tested quarterback in the 2026 draft class. Beck was Georgia‘s starting quarterback in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and led Miami to the national championship game this past season.

He boasts over 11,700 career passing yards and has a 69.5% career completion rate. He earned all-conference honors in the SEC and ACC, and has perhaps the highest floor of any quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.

6. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier entered this past season as a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. However, the Tigers spiraled while Nussmeier battle an abdominal injury and the school fired head coach Brian Kelly. Since Nussmeier played much of the season with an injury, it’s difficult to for scouts to evaluate his 2025 campaign.

In Nussmeier’s nine appearances in 2025, he completed 67.4% of his pass attempts for 12 touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions. In 2024, Nussmeier notched a career-best 4,052 passing yards and 29 TDs.

7. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Diego Pavia will be an underdog in the draft, but he’s used to it. The veteran QB was overlooked most of his collegiate career and had to repeatedly prove his doubters wrong. Pavia completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

He only threw eight interceptions. Pavia is also one of the most mobile QBs in this year’s draft class. He recorded 862 yards and 10 scores in the ground game this past season. Despite his accolades, Pavia’s height and lack of power may prevent some teams from drafting him.

8. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Cade Klubnik had a similar story as Nussmeier in the 2025 season. Simply put, he underperformed. After having a breakout season in 2024, analysts had sky-high expectations for Klubnik in 2025.

Instead of soaring to new heights, Klubnik logged a modest stat line: 2,943 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. While Klubnik left much to be desired this past season, his previous performances may be enough to entice an NFL team to draft him.

9. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

Baylor was far from an elite program this season, but it had a star at quarterback. Sawyer Robertson amassed 3,681 passing yards and 31 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions this past season.

His 306.8 passing yards per game were the second-most in the country and most of any Power Four player. Robertson could sneak his way up draft boards with a strong combine performance.

10. Taylen Green, Arkansas

Taylen Green is an intriguing dual-threat option. He threw 11 interceptions this season, to go with his 19 touchdowns. But, he produced 777 yards and eight touchdowns in Arkansas’ rushing attack.

Green’s success was hindered by chaos unfolding off the field, with Arkansas firing head coach Sam Pittman midway through the season. Perhaps Green could thrive if he finds a stable environment in the NFL.