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Josh Frey’s 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Quarterbacks

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Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is just a couple months away, and fanbases across the NFL are in heated debate over which prospects their team should add this spring.

However, one of the positions that has not been discussed as much this year is the quarterback position, particularly now that names like Dante Moore and Trinidad Chambliss are no longer in this draft class. It looks like one of the weaker draft classes we’ve seen in the past decade, but could there be a few diamonds in the rough? Let’s break down my top eight quarterbacks in this class.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

It’s no surprise at this point. Fernando Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion for a reason. He’s the best quarterback in this draft class, and after Moore decided to return to Oregon, it’s not particularly close.

Mendoza is accurate, and he is a lights out quarterback in the red zone. He showed he can layer his throws on intermediate and deep passes throughout the 2025 campaign, and he didn’t have a single turnover worthy play on throws of fewer than 10 yards. The big area that needs to improve is his improvisation outside of the pocket. Once he is pressured, his completion percentage dropped to 51.2% this year.

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That may limit his star potential in the NFL, but it won’t be enough to take away his QB1 status at this point.

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Alabama had a pretty difficult schedule in 2025, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at Ty Simpson’s numbers. He proved that he can well against some of the toughest competition in college football. He has decent arm strength to push the ball downfield, and he can maneuver outside the pocket to make off-schedule throws.

In terms of negatives though, Simpson enters the danger zone a little too often for a player who is immediately ready to be an NFL quarterback. He has a lot of Will Levis in him, meaning he tries to make plays when he really should just get rid of the football and live to play another down. It likely will be the reason he doesn’t start during his rookie season.

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) reaches to knock the ball loose from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

After a decent 2024 campaign, many were waiting for Garrett Nussmeier to take the next step and become a top-tier prospect heading into the draft. That never happened though. His average depth of target dropped by 2.5 yards this season, and he had just 14 big time throws compared to 26 in 2024.

Granted, Nussmeier played just nine games as he battled through injuries, so perhaps at full health he’ll feel more comfortable letting it rip like we saw in 2024. Or perhaps he is destined to be a backup like what the 2025 version of his game indicated. He did have a very solid Senior Bowl showing, so that should help his stock among NFL franchises.

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4. Drew Allar, Penn State

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) takes a snap during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The 2025 season was a year from hell for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and it was no different for their quarterback, Drew Allar. He was a shell of the quarterback that we had seen in 2024, and his season ended early due to a broken ankle.

That being said, if I’m being entirely honest, I can’t give up on Allar. The dude just looks like an NFL quarterback. He’s 6’5″ and 235 pounds, has a cannon for an arm, and he is a gifted athlete. If he can sure up his mechanics and take the open throws when they arrive, he can be an NFL quarterback. That is a big if though after what we saw in a limited showing this past season.

5. Luke Altmyer, Illinois

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) of Illinois throws during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Luke Altmyer transferred to Illinois after two seasons at Ole Miss and almost instantly helped turn around a program that had just one winning season from 2012-2022. Altmyer led the Fighting Illini to a pair of bowl wins in 2024 and 2025, and he did it by being a gunslinger with a quick trigger. He gets the ball out quick, and he isn’t afraid of trying to make a big play.

Ultimately, Altmyer plays like a Nick Mullens type who will hunt the big play at the risk of making disastrous turnovers. His NFL career could be a roller coaster ride, but don’t be surprised if there are a few fun moments.

6. Carson Beck, Miami

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

No matter where he’s been, you’ve kind of always known what you’re going to get with Carson Beck. That can be a blessing and a curse for the QB heading into the NFL draft.

Throughout college, Beck was essentially a game manager. When given time in the pocket, he makes solid decisions with the football, which allowed Miami to make the national title game this season. However, when he’s under pressure, things start to break down. He throws passes up for grabs and isn’t consistent in the middle portion of the field. That will need to be cleaned up if he ever has a chance to start in the NFL.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws the ball during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Cade Klubnik arguably had one of the best supporting cast in college football this season with a veteran offensive line and some great receiving talent, but his numbers ended up falling flat this year. He didn’t have as many big time throws this year as he did in 2024, and he just never seemed to fully click with his receivers in terms of timing.

Like Altmyer, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Klubnik carve out a role for himself as a backup quarterback, but he doesn’t really have a “wow” trait that would propel him into starter territory.

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8. Taylen Green, Arkansas

Nov 29, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the second quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Taylen Green is an athletic freak at 6’6″ and 235 pounds while also being extremely mobile. His 994 rushing yards ranked 8th among FBS quarterbacks this season, and he also had eight rushing touchdowns. Green makes big plays with his arm and his legs.

The problem is he holds on to the ball long enough to cause trouble for himself, and he hasn’t quite figured out a way to consistently get out of trouble when it arrives. He completed just 32 of 87 attempts when under pressure this year, and he had 12 turnover plays in 142 such drop backs. There is a lot of Anthony Richardson here without as freakish of a frame.


Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus helped with this article.

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Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey

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‘Not meant to last forever’: MS Dhoni’s IPL teammate announces divorce from wife | Cricket News

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'Not meant to last forever': MS Dhoni's IPL teammate announces divorce from wife
Rahul Chahar receiving India cap from Virat Kohli

India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has announced his separation from his wife Ishani Johar, nearly four years after their marriage. The couple got married in 2022 in a ceremony held in Goa.The 26-year-old shared the update about his personal life through a post on Instagram on Friday (February 20), confirming that the marriage has legally ended. In the note, Rahul reflected on his experiences and what he learned over the years.In a lengthy social media post on Instagram, Rahul Chahar exclaimed that he had entered marriage at a young age before wholly understanding himself and what he wanted to build.“I entered marriage at a young age, before I fully understood myself, my worth, or the life I truly wanted to build. What followed were years of lessons I never expected, and the last fifteen months spent navigating courtrooms, learning patience, resilience, and the strength that some from in truth,” Rahul said.The leg-spinner said the chapter of his life has now formally ended and that he has no regrets.“Today, that chapter of my life formally comes to a close. After due legal process, the matter has been settled with my resolution that costed a lot, bringing finality to this phase of my life. I close this chapter not with anger or regret, but with clarity. Some relationships are not meant to last forever they are meant to awaken us, teach us, and transform us,” the leg-spinner said.On the cricket front, Rahul Chahar has not had regular opportunities in the IPL in recent seasons after an early run with Mumbai Indians. He last played for India in 2021, having made his international debut in 2019.He initially went unsold in the first round of the IPL 2026 mini auction, but Chennai Super Kings later signed him for Rs 5.20 crore to strengthen their spin attack. He will look to revive his form this season.

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Riviera’s soaked greens flummox PGA Tour stars at Genesis

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Rasmus Hojlund comments speak volumes as Man United braced for £64m transfer boost

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The striker is on loan from Manchester United to Napoli with the Italian side having the option to make the deal permanent

Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has said that he’s a “different player” to the one who left the club back in the summer. The striker joined Serie A side Napoli on loan for the season.

The 23-year-old has made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists. His latest goals came in a brace in the 3-2 away win against Genoa earlier this month.

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He has been praised for his performances in Italy, where he plays under former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte. Hojlund has opened up on how the Italian has helped him develop.

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Speaking to Il Mattino, Hojlund said: “I still have a lot to learn, and I’m sure Conte is the right coach to help me grow in many ways. Compared to Rasmus in August, I’m a different player. I’m still improving, and even though I’m not very young, I’m sure I still have a lot of room for improvement.”

On Conte, he added: “He’s mentally incredibly strong. I’m fascinated by his mentality: he’s passionate, fierce. And he’s a winner. In fact, a serial winner. And if he doesn’t win, we immediately understand that we haven’t won.”

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Hojlund joined United from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for an initial fee of £64million, but struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, leading him to sign on loan for Napoli.

The Serie A side have an option to make the fee permanent in the summer for a fee of £38million. Fellow loanee Marcus Rashford is in a similar situation, with Barcelona having the option to make his loan deal permanent for a £26million fee.

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With both players impressing, it makes it more likely that both clubs will take up those options. That would provide United with a £64million boost in the summer transfer window.

Those potential fees could help the club to fund fees for potential incomings. United are expected to look at midfield options when the summer window opens.

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

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Mourinho made ‘unacceptable, huge mistake’ – Kompany

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Kompany was also critical of Mourinho for using Eusebio’s name as supposed proof that Benfica is not a racist club.

“Do you know what black players had to go through in the 1960s?” added the former Manchester City captain and Burnley boss.

“Was he (Mourinho) there to travel with Eusebio to every away game?

“Probably at the time the only option they had was to be quiet, to say nothing, be above it and to be 10 times better in order to get a little bit of credit for people to say ‘actually, he is good’.

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“That was Eusebio’s life.”

Kompany, who also spoke about racial abuse he experienced as a player, said talk of Vinicius’ celebration should not distract from the player’s immediate response to Prestianni’s alleged remarks.

“I’m just thinking when Jose Mourinho is doing the knee slide at Old Trafford, when he does his celebration in front of the [Barcelona] fans in the Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan, when his Roma are playing Sevilla and he is fighting with the referee and the referee has to leave the country under protection,” he added.

“I know one hundred people who have worked with Jose Mourinho. I’ve never heard a person say anything bad about Jose.

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“I understand he is fighting for his team and his club. You cannot be a bad person and have all the ex players you have had talk so positively about you.

“I don’t need to judge him as a person but I know what I’ve heard. And I understand maybe what he has done, but he has made a mistake.”

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‘Did not speak’ – Pep Guardiola verdict on Arsenal help for Man City

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the impact for Manchester City on Arsenal’s draw at Wolves this week.

Pep Guardiola said that he does not know how Manchester City will react to Arsenal’s draw at Wolves as he looks to keep all title race talk out of the Etihad. The Blues can close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to two points on Saturday but Guardiola will not let it be framed in those terms.

With a third of the season still to be completed, City’s manager insists that there are many twists and turns still to come in a title race that has become more interesting over the last fortnight as Arsenal have opened the door to City. The title race is in the hands of both teams given they play each other at the Etihad in April.

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As the country leans into that excitement, Guardiola refuses to let his team get ahead of themselves ahead of their fourth meeting of the season with Newcastle. The City boss said that he had not spent one second with his squad talking about the title race or Arsenal’s results.

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“Many things are going to happen until the end of the season. 70 per cent of the players are new so they don’t have that experience of these kind of situations. Experience is win tomorrow.

“12 games is a lot. Newcastle is all I am concerned with. I’m not concerned with the League Cup final with Arsenal until it comes. Now it’s rest and after Leeds. You want to anticipate what is going to happen, who is going to be champion but that doesn’t count. It’s Newcastle.

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“I didn’t speak one second about that with my players. Yesterday and the day before it was Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle. I didn’t talk about the position or the table. I could not care less. It’s 12 games. Ask me this question with two or three games and I will answer but 12 games left is an eternity.”

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Iheanacho Returns as Celtic Struggle Against Stuttgart

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Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho made his return for Celtic in a tough night for the Scottish side, who suffered a 4-1 home defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League.

Iheanacho came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, marking his first appearance since early February. He had missed several league matches due to fitness issues, but his return was highly anticipated by fans.

Celtic started well when Benjamin Nygren equalised shortly after Stuttgart’s opening goal from Bilal El Khannouss. However, Stuttgart soon regained control, with El Khannouss heading in a second goal and Jamie Leweling adding a third after the break. Tiago Tomas completed the scoring, giving Stuttgart a comfortable first-leg lead.

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Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer on a free transfer, bringing experience from his time at Manchester City. Injuries have limited his impact so far, with just a handful of league appearances this season.

Despite the loss, Iheanacho’s return offers hope that he can regain full fitness and help Celtic in the coming weeks as they aim to recover in the Europa League and domestic competitions.

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Michael Carrick gives update on potential mid-season Manchester United friendly

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Man Utd’s decision-makers have considered arranging a mid-season friendly abroad.

Michael Carrick has confirmed Manchester United are still considering arranging a mid-season friendly abroad. United crashed out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first hurdle this season.

Failure to secure European football this season has contributed to United playing the fewest games in a campaign since 1914/15. United will play just 40 matches, which has led club chiefs to consider organising a mid-season friendly abroad to bank millions in revenue.

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United have an 11-day gap between games from playing Newcastle on March 4 and Aston Villa on March 15. The Reds then have a 22-day gap between playing Bournemouth on March 20 and facing Leeds on April 11, although the first weekend of that is an international break.

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When asked if United could still organise a mid-season friendly, Carrick said: “It just depends on a lot of things really. I don’t think there is a black and white answer with that one. We will make a call.

“And there is an area in between where it would depend on where the game is, what it is like, what time it is, when the fixtures fall. It is not straightforward, but it is something if we need to look at we can do if it is best for the players.”

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Speaking at the start of the month, Carrick said about the prospect of a mid-season friendly abroad: “It might happen or it might not, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

United are next in action against Everton at the Hill Dickson Stadium on Monday night.

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Why not go after everybody?

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Stephen A. Smith recently claimed late-night comedy hosts had rattled Trump and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), further adding that the hosts brought the FCC controversy on themselves. This came after late night television host Stephen Colbert claimed that CBS pulled his interview with Texas state Representative James Talarico for fear of FCC’s retaliation.

Talarico was scheuled to appear on Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show on February 16, 2026. However, the interview did not air on the network and was instead uploaded on the show’s YouTube page. During the Monday episode, Colbert also explained why the interview, where he and Talarico spoke about the politician’s Democratic nomination for Senate and the recent FCC crackdown, didn’t air on CBS.

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Radio host Stephen A. Smith addressed the controvesy during the February 19 episode of Straight Shooter. He questioned why late night comedy hosts targeted only Trump and didn’t go after everybody, saying:

“This is my issue: These are brilliant late-night hosts who are comedic geniuses. Why not go after everybody? See, the problem is, everybody talked about Trump so much that it was so one-sided cause it’s clear, you know, the disgust and the vitriol he evokes and they felt for him. You’ve got to hit everybody when you’re a comedian. Nobody is supposed to be safe. No one is supposed to be spared.”

He added:

“Hell, when I go into a place, I expect them to be teasing me about my hairline… So what? That’s what comedians do. Late night stopped doing that when it came to practically everybody else but Trump… Had they spared no one, Trump and his influence over the FCC clearly exist, none of that would have been enough for them to invoke their wishes the way that they’ve tried.”


Trump previously hinted at FCC revoking the license of televison broadcasters

During the February 16 episode of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert explained why his interview with Texas state Representative James Talarico did not air in CBS. Durign his statement, the television host suggested that CBS lawyers told him they could not have the policitian on the broadcast and also supposedly prohibited Colbert from talking about the incident on the broadcast.

“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast. Then, then I was told in some uncertain terms that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this,” Colbert said.

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According to NBC News, CBS denied this claim in an emailed statement, saying that the network did not prohibit Colbert or The Late Show from airing the episode. The statement further added that the talk show was provided “legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates.”

For those uninformed, the FCC‘s equal time rule prohibits networks and radios from hosting political candidates durign the election season without giving equal airtime to the opponents. However, Colbert claimed that the rule did not apply to talk show interviews with political candidate.

Meanwhile, Brendan Carr, the chairman of Trump’s FCC, addressed the controversy during an FCC meeting meeting on February 18, saying that the media should “feel a bit ashamed for having been lied to and then run with those lies.”

This is not the first time the FCC has clashed with late night shows in recent times. In September 2025, Brendan Carr strongly condemned Jimmy Kimmel‘s comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s supposed assassin during an episode of his late-night talk show, resulting in ABC temporarily suspending the program.

At the time, Trump praised the decision and suggested that the FCC could revoke the license of broadcasters that gave him “bad publicity” saying:

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“I mean, they’re getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr. I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. He’s a patriot. He loves our country, and he’s a tough guy, so we’ll have to see.”


In July 2025, Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show was canceled by CBS due to financial pressure and the talk show’s final episode will be aired in May 2026.