2026 NFL Draft: PFF releases preseason Top 10 college football QB rankings

Pro Football Focus released its preseason top 10 college football quarterback rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. We’re still just a little under a year away from the next draft, but it’s an interesting look at the QBs to watch this season.

Not all of these quarterbacks are guaranteed to enter next year’s draft. ESpecially when it comes to the top QB on this list where there might be more questions than answers.

Without further ado, let’s dive into PFF’s top 10 quarterbacks in the preseason ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. We know you know this first guy!

1. Arch Manning, Texas

Manning hasn’t been the full-time starter yet, but is considered the top QB prospect in next year’s draft. The nephew of Peyton and Eli, and of course son of former WR Cooper, Manning has the genes and the traits to be elite.

He’s flashed it too, not just with his arm, but with his agility, mobility and speed. He could very well stay in school after this coming season but if he is as good as he’s projected to be, it’ll be hard to say no to the draft and maybe become the No. 1 overall pick.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar has the build and talent to be an NFL quarterback, there just has to be more consistency. That’s what PFF sees ahead of next year’s NFL Draft. 

The Penn State star elected to return to school for 2025 but could’ve been a high draft pick this spring. Limiting turnovers has always been the biggest key to his success. If that’s the case, Allar’s ahead of the game. If he’s more consistent with those “wow” throws, he’ll be must-see television.

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Nussmeier is the quarterback people talk about when it comes to being the top dog of this draft class. He’s been a popular selection at least.

Nussmeier fired 29 touchdowns and 4,052 yards last season in his first year as the starter. However, he threw 12 picks, so that’s a concern. Still, he had to fill the shoes of Jayden Daniels, so there will be eyes on him in 2025.

4. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

Leavitt broke out during his sophomore season in 2024, leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff. He had nearly 3,000 yards and threw 24 touchdowns while running for 443 yards on the ground with five scores.

Pretty good numbers right? He’s one of the better quarterbacks in college football and is starting to get NFL Draft buzz. If Leavitt has the type of season he did last season, he’ll start to soar up draft boards.

5. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

Iamaleava’s transfer saga overshadowed what he could potentially do this season. Leaving Tennessee for UCLA amid an NIL negotiation wasn’t a good look in the grand scheme of things.

Still, he played relatively well last season, helping Tennessee to the CFP. But ahead of the NFL Draft next year, Iamaleava will have a lot to prove on and off the field in a new situation to rise up draft boards.

6. Carson Beck, Miami

Beck is another polarizing prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. He transferred from Georgia for his final year of college football following an up and down year.

Beck showcased that he has NFL stuff, but was inconsistent. Then, his injury in the SEC Championship Game practically derailed an NFL hopes this past season. He was once thought of highly in NFL Draft circles, so he’ll have to recapture some of that in Coral Gables this year.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik finally put it all together last season and turned into what people thought he could be coming out of high school. Clemson’s offense was operating at a higher level in 2024 and could do so again in ‘25.

Still, it was one year and there was enough tape on him previously for PFF to not put him higher on this list of 2026 NFL Draft eligible quarterbacks. Still, he’s an intriguing prospect.

8. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers was always an athletic freak, but it was on full display last season. PFF likes what he’s about and what he can do for South Carolina this year, maybe even leading them to the College Football Playoff.

As they broke down, he’s got a lot to love, such as his rocket arm, speed and intangibles. Still, Sellers need to develop reading defenses a little better and not just winging it all the time. But he’s an enticing prospect that could cause a team to take a swing in next year’s NFL Draft.

9. John Mateer, Oklahoma

Mateer is a bit under the radar when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft. But the new Oklahoma quarterback could become a star this year. 

He was productive at Washington State last season, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns. As PFF pointed out, he doesn’t scream NFL-build in terms of his physique. But Mateer’s confidence and swagger could be an intriguing intangible.

10. Conner Weigman, Houston

Weigman’s been a well-traveled quarterback in his college career, but has a chance to standout in this final season. PFF actually had him as the borderline No. 1 quarterback last season despite a small sample size.

But in 2024, he took a step back. With lowered expectations, Weigman might have a pressure free environment at Houston, compared to Texas A&M. Perhaps he can let it rip before the 2026 NFL Draft.