2026 NFL Draft: PFF releases way-too-early Top 5 quarterback rankings

Pro Football Focus released their top five quarterback rankings in a way-too-early release of 2026 NFL Draft ratings. Heck, not all five are guaranteed to enter next year’s draft!

These are the five QBs to watch immediately if you haven’t already. Of course, there’s plenty more where that came from, but it’s a nice early look at who could be a future NFL star.

Without further ado, let’s dive into PFF’s rankings as we sit here in June. We start in the SEC!

1. Arch Manning, Texas

2024 stats: 939 passing yards, 9 TD, 2 INT, 108 rushing yards, 4 TD

Manning certainly has the physical gifts with his arm and legs going into the 2025 season. But there’s no guarantee that he’ll enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Considering this will be his first year as the full-time starter, it’s wait and see.

Still, if he does and performs like he’s projected to, Manning will be the hottest name due to his play and family namesake. The potential is there to be special.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

2024 stats: 3,327 passing yards, 24 TD, 8 INT, 66.5%, 302 rushing yards, 6 TD

Allar looked NFL-ready last season following Penn State’s CFP run. But he opted to return to the team which coincided with the transfer of backup Beau Pribula during the playoff run (he went to Missouri).

Allar is the second highest ranked QB in PFF’s rankings ahead of the NFL Draft. He’s got the size and the arm for certain. Consistency and lack of turnovers is key but 2025 could culminate in his best year yet.

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

2024 stats: 4,052 passing yards, 29 TD, 12 INT, 64.2%, 3 rushing TD

Nussmeier will likely be in the Heisman race. That’s not to say the other QBs won’t, but he’s been a popular preseason pick to contend for the award this year.

Nussmeier has some buzz going into the draft already. Following a great 2024 campaign, he can add to his resume with another great stat line and perhaps a playoff berth for LSU.

4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

2024 stats: 3,639 passing yards, 36 TD, 6 INT, 63.4%, 463 rushing yards, 7 TD

Klubnik had the best season of his college career in 2024. What does he have for a follow-up this fall?

He could play his way higher into the NFL Draft next spring if he can win an ACC title and lead Clemson back to the College Football Playoff. Maybe a run through the bracket will aid the cause since he’s proven it in the stat department already.

5. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

2024 stats: 2,885 passing yards, 24 TD, 6 INT, 61.7%, 443 rushing yards, 5 TD

Leavitt transferred out of Michigan State following the 2023 season and became a late-season star with the Sun Devils. Now, he’s getting NFL Draft buzz for his skill and swagger.

Back-to-back Big 12 titles and another College Football Playoff appearance will certainly draw the eyes of QB needy teams in the pros. He’s been the embodiment of a fun Arizona State team.