The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine offered a pivotal stage for college football’s top quarterback prospects. Presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) opted out of physical drills. This rare decision shone a unique spotlight on 14 other signal-callers. This group battled to elevate their NFL Draft stock. They vied for crucial positions behind Mendoza on draft boards. Analysts and scouts meticulously graded every throw, step, and interview. They were searching for the next franchise leader. Many prospects seized this golden opportunity in Indianapolis, significantly improving their standing.
The Combine’s Crucible: Who Seized the Moment?
The NFL Combine is more than just athletic testing. It’s a high-pressure audition. For quarterbacks, on-field drills are critical. They showcase mechanics, accuracy, and arm talent against air. This happens without the chaos of a live defense. For the 2026 class, this year’s combine was particularly impactful. It created a clear hierarchy among those hoping for early selection. Beyond the top few, several prospects carved out roles as intriguing Day 2 or Day 3 targets.
Elite Performances: The Top Tier Quarterbacks
Several quarterbacks delivered standout performances. They solidified or significantly boosted their draft potential. These players demonstrated the traits NFL teams covet.
Ty Simpson: Cementing First-Round Status
Alabama’s Ty Simpson emerged as the clear-cut best quarterback on the field. He showcased near-perfect mechanics and elite accuracy. His ball placement at all three levels was consistently impressive. Simpson’s performance in deep-passing drills particularly stood out to scouts. Many now believe he has solidified his position as the No. 2 overall quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is also considered a lock for first-round status.
Simpson brings unique circumstances to the draft, despite his brilliant combine showing. He started only 15 games in college. This led some analysts, like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., to express concerns about his limited experience. Yet, Simpson confidently states he is “ready” to be a “franchise quarterback.” His college stats were impressive: 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Interest from teams like the New York Jets further highlights his appeal, recognizing his undeniable upside.
Garrett Nussmeier: The Resurgent Wild Card
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier had a strong combine. He overcame initial jitters. His ball placement was initially slightly off. However, he quickly settled in. He then displayed good accuracy and timing throughout the remainder of his session. Polished mechanics and clean footwork on downfield throws were also evident. Crucially, Nussmeier looked healthy. This alleviated concerns about a troublesome oblique injury from his final LSU season.
This injury severely impacted his 2025 performance. It caused “stabbing pain” on throws. He was limited to 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, scouts still remember his “sensational 2024 campaign.” He threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns that year. Nussmeier is viewed as a “wild card” due to his natural throwing ability. His combine performance significantly helped rebuild his case for an early Day 2 selection, potentially within the top-75 picks.
Carson Beck: Composed Under Pressure
Miami (FL)’s Carson Beck delivered a consistent performance. He even faced boos from Indiana fans. He remained on target with most throws across all three levels. His timing on breaking routes was also excellent. Beck’s footwork and mechanics appeared solid. While he had a few deep-pass misfires, his ability to stay consistent in a challenging environment impressed evaluators. Beck made a strong case for being a Day 2 pick.
Rising Stock: Day 2 and Beyond Prospects
Beyond the top performers, several other quarterbacks significantly improved their draft prospects. They showcased specific skills that will appeal to NFL teams.
Cade Klubnik: Accuracy on Display
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik lived up to his reputation for accuracy. He routinely feathered passes to receivers. This was particularly true in the deep and intermediate zones. His steady footwork was also a positive. Klubnik, a dual-threat quarterback, notably chose not to run the 40-yard dash. Despite this, his precise throwing session should provide a boost to his draft stock. It firmly positions him as a solid mid-round option.
Drew Allar: Unleashing Raw Arm Talent
Penn State’s Drew Allar showcased some of the best raw tools among his group. He consistently delivered powerful deep passes. This included beautiful throws on go and corner routes. His timing on breaking routes was excellent. Allar’s impressive zip and velocity allowed his natural arm talent to shine. Despite previous injuries and inconsistent collegiate play, his combine performance has reaffirmed his intriguing potential as a mid-round option.
Jalon Daniels: Flashes of Brilliance
Kansas’ Jalon Daniels was a clear winner in his opening session. He displayed impressive arm talent with several beautiful deep passes. His shorter throws also had noticeable zip. Daniels showed what his arm can do when stretching the field. However, some inconsistency was present. This included questionable misses on easier attempts. Despite these minor flaws, Daniels likely made himself “some money” at the combine.
Diego Pavia: Overcoming the Stigma
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia made a critical physical improvement. He measured 5-10 1/8 inches. This small gain helped him avoid becoming a historic outlier at the position. He then performed well in on-field drills. He displayed very good accuracy throughout. While not as flashy as his game action, Pavia’s steady performance should convince a team to consider him a Day 3 selection.
Athletic Wonders: Dual-Threats and Developmental Projects
The 2026 combine also highlighted several quarterbacks with exceptional athleticism. These players present intriguing developmental upside for NFL franchises.
Taylen Green: Record-Setting Athlete
Arkansas’ Taylen Green was by far the most athletic quarterback. His combine performance was “breathtaking.” He set modern-day NFL Combine records for quarterbacks. This included a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Green also blazed a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. As a proven dual-threat, he rushed for 777 yards in 2025. He accumulated 35 rushing touchdowns over four seasons. While his throwing can be inconsistent, his raw athleticism and potential are undeniable. NFL offensive coordinators will be eager to develop his unique skill set.
Cole Payton: The Underrated Gem
North Dakota State’s Cole Payton showed a live arm during his workout. His accuracy was not as consistent as others. However, he flashed brilliance, particularly on an outbreaking route. Payton also displayed exceptional athleticism. He posted a 40-inch vertical (second-best) and a 10-foot-2 broad jump (second-best). He also ran a respectable 4.56-second 40-yard dash. Described as “gaining steam,” this one-year starter (2,719 passing yards, 16 TDs; 777 rushing yards, 13 TDs) is an intriguing early Day 3 prospect. His combine showing could elevate him further.
Behren Morton: Arm Strength Focus
Texas Tech’s Behren Morton demonstrated a strong arm at the combine. He delivered plenty of zip on passes to all levels of the field. He even threw some deep, line-drive passes. While his accuracy was solid, he lacked touch in his passing. Morton appeared to focus primarily on showcasing his arm strength. This strategy might limit a broader evaluation of his versatile throwing ability.
Mixed Bags and Development Projects
Not every quarterback experienced a significant boost. Some performances reinforced existing concerns. Others highlighted areas needing substantial development.
Haynes King: Athleticism Meets Inconsistency
Georgia Tech’s Haynes King showed solid athleticism. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, second only to Green. He was accurate in short-area passing drills. However, King’s downfield passing drills highlighted mechanical inconsistencies. His accuracy waned, and he struggled to get the ball deep enough. This performance suggests his ceiling might be as a game-manager backup.
Sawyer Robertson: Intriguing Late-Round Potential
Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson had a rougher outing in the throwing drills. He struggled with consistency. He mixed overthrows and underthrows, and delivered some wobbly passes. Despite this, Robertson remains an intriguing late-round prospect. He boasts dual-threat mobility, running a 4.64-second 40-yard dash. His 37.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-3 broad jump were high-percentile results, boosting his overall appeal.
Luke Altmyer: Arm Strength Concerns
Illinois’ Luke Altmyer performed as many expected. He showed good accuracy in short-to-intermediate passing drills. However, his arm strength clearly paled in comparison to others in the group. This performance reinforced the view that Altmyer’s ceiling is likely as a mid-tier backup.
Joe Fagnano: Accuracy Woes
Connecticut’s Joe Fagnano struggled immensely with accuracy. He frequently alternated between underthrowing and overthrowing passes. His deep attempts rarely found a consistent target zone. While he showed occasional flashes of potential, his overall workout, combined with average athletic testing, positions him as a late-round developmental project. A strong performance was needed to secure his draft selection.
The Road Ahead for 2026 Quarterbacks
The 2026 NFL Combine has reshaped the quarterback landscape. Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, and Carson Beck clearly distinguished themselves. Other athletic marvels like Taylen Green and Cole Payton also elevated their profiles. The next steps for these prospects include Pro Days. There, they will perform for scouts in their familiar college environments. Player interviews will continue to be crucial. They allow teams to assess leadership and football IQ. The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft continues, promising more twists and turns for these talented signal-callers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the standout performances at the 2026 NFL Combine for quarterbacks?
Ty Simpson of Alabama delivered the most impressive throwing session, showcasing elite mechanics and accuracy. He solidified his status as a potential top-tier pick. Athletically, Taylen Green from Arkansas was a record-setter. He achieved a 43.5-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot-2 broad jump, and a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. He established himself as the most athletic quarterback in the class. Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck also had strong, consistent showings that boosted their Day 2 draft stock.
Which quarterbacks improved their NFL Draft stock for Day 2 consideration?
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Carson Beck (Miami (FL)) made strong cases for Day 2 selections. Nussmeier’s healthy performance after an injury-plagued season was particularly noteworthy. Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Drew Allar (Penn State) also showcased their arm talent and accuracy. This positioned them firmly within the Day 2 discussion. Cole Payton (North Dakota State), with his combined arm talent and impressive athleticism, also significantly elevated his stock. He could push for late Day 2 consideration.
How does limited college experience impact a quarterback’s draft projection after a strong combine?
Limited college experience, such as Ty Simpson’s 15 starts, can create a “high-risk, high-reward” scenario for NFL teams. A strong combine performance, like Simpson’s, demonstrates raw talent and NFL readiness. However, scouts often prefer more game reps. These reps allow evaluation of consistency, decision-making under pressure, and overall development. A stellar combine can mitigate some concerns, pushing a player higher on draft boards. Yet, teams will still weigh the lack of extensive game film heavily. This makes a good fit with a patient coaching staff crucial for their long-term success.
