Final 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Quarterbacks

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It’s that time of year, folks. With the draft less than a month out, it’s time for me to release my final position rankings for this class. It’s a process that’s stretched all the way back to last summer, with literal days of grinding film on top of collecting other nuggets from the Combine, All-Star performances and more. It’s all led to this. We’re starting with the quarterbacks this time, as it’s the position the draft centers around most prominently. It’s no secret at this point that we have essentially a one-man class in 2026, with a certain endearing Heisman Trophy winner and national champion being the banner prospect of the entire draft. He’ll come off the board to the Raiders at No. 1, and there’s another passer that’s getting some first-round buzz as well. Aside from those two, don’t expect to hear any more quarterbacks picked in the first round. However, I do think this class holds some intrigue in the middle rounds, as a lot of talented players who didn’t live up to expectations will be looking for redemption in the next stage of their careers. Of course, follow us for more draft coverage. I’ll be finalizing the rest of my position rankings in the coming weeks, as well as providing you all with wall-to-wall coverage of the draft. This next month will be a big one for us on the draft side, so stay tuned! Top 150 Big Board 2026 NFL Draft Visit Tracker 1: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana A three-star recruit from Miami, Mendoza got a late offer from Cal after previously committing to Yale. He redshirted in 2022 and was buried on the depth chart initially before taking over as the starter midway through his redshirt freshman season. In 2024, he had 3,004 passing yards and 16 touchdowns to six interceptions and was one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks available. He committed to the Hoosiers and became one of the most dynamic players in college football, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to an undefeated season and national championship with 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions, completing 72.0 percent of his passes. Mendoza added 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Standing at 6-5, 236 pounds, Mendoza is built like a prototypical NFL prospect. He is pinpoint accurate to all three levels of the field, hitting receivers in stride with superb ball placement that helps them gain yards after the catch and naturally leads them away from coverage. He devastates defenses with his timing and anticipation, throwing receivers open and hitting them just out of their breaks before the coverage can react. With the ability to make every NFL throw, Mendoza threatens the entire field on each snap, forcing defenses to account for his ability to create big plays. His best trait might be his ability to read defenses, as he always has answers for what they’re trying to do and he consistently attacks the right spots. Under pressure, Mendoza thrives, with great pocket mobility and route awareness. He can make some impressive throws on the move, keeping his eyes downfield and evading pressure without resorting to immediately tucking and running. Tacklers bounce off his big frame, and he can muscle through sacks to gain positive yards out of broken plays. He isn’t a dynamic open-field runner, but he plays with toughness and has a few moves, always gaining more yards than you’d expect given his average speed. Pressure doesn’t faze Mendoza, and he excels in hostile environments and championship mom…