2026 NFL Draft Scouting Notebook: Making sense of the quarterback class, LaNorris Sellers, Cade Klubnik, and a couple of toolsy bets to take
It might just be July, but football is right on the horizon. That means that Summer is quickly coming to an end, which also means so is Summer Scouting. For the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a lot of talent at the quarterback position, as well as a ton of uncertainty. Here is an early […]
It might just be July, but football is right on the horizon. That means that Summer is quickly coming to an end, which also means so is Summer Scouting. For the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a lot of talent at the quarterback position, as well as a ton of uncertainty.
Here is an early outlook for the top signal callers, and some names to know. It’s early, but this should lay out a nice baseline for the class. There are going to be a ton of varying opinions out there.
Summer Scouting bias
From a philosophical perspective, you have to understand the approach for Summer Scouting. When you do a final evaluation, there is much less (or at least should be) projecting upside into the equation. For the Summer in the NFL Draft space, the upside talk is much more prevent, and frankly appropriate. You have a longer runway of development, and are projecting forward with a full season of game experience ahead.
In a lot of ways, you are betting on traits, and even more so this time of the year.
Let’s keep that in mind as we discuss this 2026 quarterback class. If a player isn’t close to their perceived ceiling, that isn’t a deal breaker. Most players improve, but the question is just how much. The top of the class has several of those question marks around it.
Top of the class
At the top of the class, a lot of people are going to spend their time discussing Drew Allar (Penn State), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), and Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and I certainly understand why. Each of the three are seniors so it’s a guarantee that they will be a part of the 2026 class. Each also brings certain attributes to the table that are attractive, including arm strength (Allar), ability to layer the football (Nussmeier), and some dual threat ability (Klubnik).
For me, right now at least, I value Klubnik the most of those three. That can certainly change but the movement skills combined with arm talent is an appealing combination. He isn’t, however, my top quarterback right now. That honor goes to South Carolina star LaNorris Sellers.
It’s very easy to get enamored with the 6-3, 242-pound passer with legitimate upper echelon athleticism, and a very strong arm, and I am. With Sellers, however, it’s more than just the physical profile. We saw monumental growth as an anticipatory passer down the stretch of the season. Early in the season, he looked like just an athlete with a strong arm, but looked much more natural as he got comfortable. Those improvements have me very bullish for what 2025 can look like.
For months, even before people started stealing it, I had compared Sellers to former Pro Bowl signal caller Dante Culpepper. The size, arm strength, and movement skills are eerily similar. If Sellers takes a substantial jump during his second year as a starter, there is good reason to believe that he could be in consideration to be the first overall selection.
Other players such as Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) are worth mentioning. Mendoza is very high up some people’s boards early on, and I can see the vision.
Potential Texas breakout Arch Manning is also worth mentioning, having a strong argument as one of the most talented signal callers in the country. Most believe that Manning will not enter the 2026 class. If he does, he will be a hot topic of conversation.
Toolsy bets
This 2026 class could very well have a healthy amount of toolsy wildcards in it. For each player I’m about to mention, they all have multiple seasons of eligibility remaining. There is no guarantee they will be a part of the 2026 cycle, but all are intriguing nonetheless.
Josh Hoover (TCU)
From a pure arm talent perspective, and playmaking ability, there is a lot to love about Hoover. He has a smaller frame at 6-2 (probably generous) and 200 pounds, which is the major drawback. You have to let your imagination go on this one a bit, but there is throwing with anticipation on film here, and a lot of raw tools. Hoover needs to take it to the next level in 2025.
Eli Holstein (Pitt)
At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Holstein is one of the easier throwers in all of college football. He got off to a fast start in 2024 for Pitt after transferring over from Alabama before a midseason injury. When he’s at his best, Holstein is throwing with velocity on in breakers on time, while also throwing a beautiful deep ball. Holstein is going to have to improve his pocket navigation, and remain healthier in 2025. He does have three years of eligibility of remaining, so it’s likely this is more a mention for the future.
Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)
Sorsby is another player that got off to a hot start in 2024, but fizzled down the stretch. Cincinnati spent this offseason revamping their wide receiver room, and they hope that pays huge dividends this season. The former Indiana transfer has a bigger frame at 6-3 and 225 pounds, with natural arm talent, and mobility. There is a lot to love with Sorsby, but he needs to become a lot more consistent this fall.
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