Which CFB Quarterbacks are Rising Fastest Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft?

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

NFL Draft evaluations shift daily. A quarterback mocked third in May crashes to the fifth round by April. Another climbs from Day 3 consideration to first-round buzz after one breakout season.

The 2026 quarterback class tells this story perfectly. Fernando Mendoza went from backup consideration to Heisman winner. Ty Simpson battled inconsistency but flashed first-round tools. Here’s who’s climbing boards before draft night in Pittsburgh on April 23.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza transferred from Cal and delivered 3,535 passing yards with 41 touchdowns against six interceptions. The Heisman Trophy followed. So did Indiana’s first national championship.

His 79.2% adjusted completion percentage ranked second nationally. Twenty-seven red-zone touchdowns without a pick led the FBS. The game-winning touchdown run against Miami cemented his toughness. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 pick. Mendoza’s the overwhelming favorite.

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Simpson stumbled against Florida State in Week 1. Then he caught fire. An eight-game stretch against four top-16 opponents brought 1,954 yards, 19 touchdowns, and one interception. Completion rate hit 71.9%. His pocket maneuverability stands out in the NFL Draft QB Roster.

His accuracy cratered late, though. An 11.2% off-target rate ranked 63rd. Downfield passing remains shaky at 37.3% on throws 20-plus air yards.

3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Division II to SEC starter. Four years at Ferris State preceded his transfer to Ole Miss. He grabbed the starting job in Game 3 and never let go. The Rebels reached the CFP semifinals behind his 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and three picks. Eight games topped 300 yards. Chambliss currently fights for a sixth eligibility year. The NCAA denied his waiver. A Mississippi lawsuit seeks an injunction.

4. Carson Beck, Miami

Beck was a 2025 No. 1 NFL Draft pick candidate before Georgia imploded. Miami brought redemption. He delivered 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 picks. His 74.8% adjusted completion percentage ranked eighth among FBS passers. Miami’s offensive line gave him 2.9 seconds per throw with the lowest pressure rate in college football.

The championship-ending interception against Indiana stung. But scouts view him as a middle-round option. Early pressure still knocks him sideways. His off-target rate jumps from 9.7% to 21.4% when forced to move.

5. Drew Allar, Penn State

Size and arm strength scream first-rounder. Allar stands 6-5, 235 pounds, with 35 years of experience. Then Oregon happened. Double-overtime home loss. Game-ending interception. A broken left ankle against Northwestern ended his season after 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns, and three picks. Some team will convince itself that Allar’s traits justify an early selection in the NFL Draft.

6. Taylen Green, Arkansas

Green’s 6-6 frame creates problems when he runs. He posted 2,714 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 771 rushing yards. Teams will target him as a toolsy mid-round project.

But Green’s processing lags badly. His 3.13-second average time to throw ranked 134th out of 138 quarterbacks. All 27 sacks came against true pressure. Completion rate dropped to 38.6% when defenders got home.