No matter what Arch Manning decides to do, the 2026 QB draft could be one for the ages

ESPN analyst Field Yates recently dropped a first-round mock for the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of the college football season. It features several quarterbacks being taken in the top half of the 32 picks that make up the first round, making for a class heavy with signal-callers.

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This mock is assuming, of course, that Texas quarterback Arch Manning does declare, something he tangentially alluded to in a press conference yesterday, though no guarantees have been made either way. With that in mind, here are some of the picks that Yates projected for 2026.

1. Cleveland Browns: QB Arch Manning, Texas

Despite the fact they recently drafted Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (third round, pick no. 94) and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders (fifth round, pick no. 144), Yates reasons that if Cleveland finds itself picking first overall in 2026, and Texas quarterback Arch Manning is on the board, that he will be the selection for a franchise that has struggled in finding a franchise cornerstone. Manning completed 67.8% of his 90 passes last season for 939 yards and nine touchdowns through the air, with another four on the ground in limited action.

Yates had the following to say from a scouting standpoint.

“Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling.”

2. New York Jets: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Another team that has had its troubles finding consistent play at the quarterback spot, the New York Jets would jump at the chance to take LaNorris Sellers, a potential Heisman candidate out of South Carolina who last year had 18 passing and seven rushing touchdowns, completed 65.6% of his passes, and combined for over 3,200 total yards of offense.

Yates is high on Sellers’ potential, praising the Gamecocks’ star.

Sellers is a huge and powerful thrower who made massive strides in his game in 2024. His escapability from pressure in the pocket is a true X factor; some plays on his tape show shades of Josh Allen. His best moments are jaw-dropping, and his overall mobility is superb.

3. New Orleans Saints: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson

The Saints have had trouble replacing the legendary Drew Brees – but in this mock draft, they would replace the former Westlake star with another star from the same high school in Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, who helped the Chaparrals to three consecutive state titles en route to one of the most accomplished high school football careers in Texas history. He was elite last year, throwing for 36 passing touchdowns (to just six interceptions), over 3,600 yards, and rushing for seven more scores.

Yates said the following of Klubnik, who will lead a loaded Clemson team into 2025.

Klubnik is a mechanically sound and accurate passer who accounted for 43 total touchdowns during his breakout 2024 season (36 passing, seven rushing). He lacks elite size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but he’d offer the Saints some stability at QB as they reset their roster.

9. Los Angeles Rams: QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

The Arizona State Sun Devils gave Texas all it could handle and more in their narrow Peach Bowl loss last New Year’s Day, and though Sam Leavitt struggled for the better part of the matchup, he returns to Tempe with a tremendous weapon at wide receiver in Jordyn Tyson, the projected no. 20 pick to Denver. Leavitt last season went for 31 total touchdowns to just six interceptions, throwing for over 2,800 yards and helping lead Arizona State to arguably their best season since 1996.

Yates has high expectations for Leavitt in 2025.

Leavitt is an innovator, showing exceptional poise, moxie and creativity under duress. The redshirt sophomore is a talented thrower and very strong runner. He had at least three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in five of his final seven matchups last season, and he finished with 443 rushing yards on the year.

11. Indianapolis Colts: QB Drew Allar, Penn State

For a team that just named Daniel Jones as their starter over the embattled Anthony Richardson, the Colts are a prime candidate for a team that needs a new quarterback. With four signal-callers already off the board, there is still talent left with Penn State’s Drew Allar, who nearly led the Nittany Lions to the National Championship last season. He threw 24 touchdowns to eight picks last season, completing 66.5% of his passes and recording 3,327 yards. He also rushed for six touchdowns.

Yates said this about the incoming senior.

Allar has ideal 6-foot-5, 235-pound size, good mobility and a rocket arm. I also see moments of creativity on the tape. The tools and upside have evaluators intrigued, but they also want to see more consistency and urgency in the pocket in 2025. If he puts it all together, Allar would be a great get for the Colts in this range.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier is a player that could have been selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but opted to return to LSU in pursuit of a National Championship, and possibly a Heisman Trophy. Last season, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, but his “gunslinger” aspect also allowed for 12 interceptions and a 64% completion percentage. He is not a rushing quarterback, however, recording -38 yards on 34 carries last season.

Yates is high on Nussmeier’s throwing ability, but has some concerns elsewhere.

“[Nussmeier] is like a point guard on the field, playing with elite processing skills and very good accuracy. He lacks dynamic athleticism and has just solid arm strength, but he is still able to deliver the ball on time and to spots where his receivers can create after the catch.”

Other Notable Players Mentioned

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill is projected as the 10th overall pick in the draft to the Seattle Seahawks, while the Longhorns will face the projected no. 5 pick, Ohio State State safety Caleb Downs, in Week 1 in Columbus.

A trio of Clemson defenders in defensive tackle Peter Woods (no. 4, New York Giants), edge rusher TJ Parker (no. 8, New England Patriots), and cornerback Avieon Terrell (no. 15, Miami Dolphins) further fortify the incredibly talented roster that the Tigers will have in 2025. They also have offensive tackle Blake Miller projected at pick no. 31 to Philadelphia.

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While no other Longhorns grace the list outside of Manning and Hill, it’s entirely possible – even likely – that some other Texas players find themselves in the first round, especially if the season goes the way analysts are predicting it will. Some candidates for that are wide receiver DeAndre Moore, guard DJ Campbell, tackle Trevor Goosby, and corner Malik “Manny” Muhammad.

Regardless of what Arch Manning decides to do, this will be a highly touted class, especially for quarterbacks.