In the 14 years I’ve covered the NFL draft, one statement from a general manager has stuck with me: “Smart teams scout ahead.”
The 2025 NFL draft might be more than three months away, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t already preparing for the 2026 draft. The best front offices prepare for future classes to inform their decisions on the upcoming one. Teams knew the 2025 draft class was weak at quarterback, so they loaded up in 2024 by selecting six signal-callers in the first 12 picks.
Lack of quarterback star power shouldn’t be an issue in 2026. But don’t bank on Texas’ Arch Manning definitely being in this class. The nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning is talented, but he might start two seasons in college before entering the NFL, which would put Arch in the 2027 draft class. The expanded College Football Playoff has also altered the entry deadline. While most players had to declare by the standard Jan. 15 deadline for the 2025 class, players in the CFP National Championship game have until Jan. 24 to make a decision. So the 2026 class could still change as a result.
Who are the top names to know for next year? Let’s dive in and take a first look at the class of 2026.
Jump to position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | IOL
EDGE | DT | LB | CB | S
Quarterbacks
Allar would have been a QB1 candidate had he decided to enter the 2025 draft. At 6-foot-5, 238 pounds, he has a build which scouts have compared to Bills quarterback Josh Allen and brings big-time arm talent. He’s entering his third season as a starter for Penn State after completing 66.5% of his passes in 2024 for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His QBR of 78.1 ranked 15th in the FBS.
The 6-2, 200-pound Nussmeier did well in replacing 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, throwing for 4,040 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His QBR of 80.0 ranked 10th in the FBS. There was some scouting buzz about Nussmeier possibly being the QB1 in 2025, too, but another season of starting experience should help his stock. Scouts like Nussmeier’s arm talent and how he aggressively attacks down the field.
Klubnik showed his NFL potential in Clemson’s first-round loss to…
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