With the 2025 NFL Draft now officially in the books, is it too soon to look ahead at the 2026 NFL Draft class? Nope. Bucky Brooks revealed his early 2026 NFL Draft quarterback rankings, and this list continues to show how deep the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class truly will be.
It now makes sense why quarterback-needy teams like the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams decided to acquire multiple first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s due in large part to the spectacular collection of quarterbacks in next year’s class. Quite the contrast from this year’s which had one clear-cut top quarterback in Cam Ward.
Bucky Brooks Drops Early 2026 NFL QB Rankings With Cade Klubnik Outside Top 5
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks recently ranked Clemson’s quarterback, Cade Klubnik, as the No. 6-ranked quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Who landed ahead of the Tigers’ signal-caller?
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The draft has already been dubbed the “Arch Manning Sweepstakes.” This indicates the anticipated entry of the Texas Longhorns’ standout. The 2026 class features a very talented collection of passers and playmakers with the potential to emerge as a franchise quarterback at the next level.
For this, it’s easy to see why Arch Manning is currently the No. 1 ranked quarterback in next year’s class, and very well could be the No. 1 pick too. Despite only having two career stars so far, he’s positioned to be the No. 1 overall pick due to his talent, tools, and of course his pedigree.
Manning is the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, but is already looking more talented than each of them. With more power and pop as a passer. Manning flashes big-play potential as a passer and runner with the ability to produce explosives from inside and outside the pocket.
Though his lack of game experience could leave him unprepared for the speed and complexity of the pro game, the presumed QB1 of the class could follow the established Manning blueprint and wait until 2027 to pursue his NFL dreams.
The No. 2 ranked quarterback entering next year’s draft is Penn State’s Drew Allar. The two-year starter is the prototype for the position as a classic drop-back passer with plus arm talent and nimble feet. Allar is a dart thrower from the pocket, with the touch, timing and anticipation to throw pass-catchers open from short and intermediate ranges.
As a high-end game manager with playmaking ability, the Penn State standout can seamlessly transition from a pass-first point guard to scorer in an offense that relies on the quarterback to make good decisions with the ball in his hands.
Though his costly miscues in the College Football Playoff have led to some concerns about his performance in the clutch, Allar can silence his critics with a strong 2025 campaign that puts him in a position to emerge as a viable candidate for the No. 1 overall pick.
The No. 3-ranked quarterback entering next year’s draft is LaNorris Sellers out of South Carolina. The dynamic dual-threat playmaker fits the NFL’s new prototype for the position as an athletic quarterback with A-plus arm talent and athleticism.
Sellers’ rugged game forces opponents to deal with a relatively big power runner who flashes big-play potential as a downfield passer.
As more NFL teams embrace and showcase big-bodied quarterbacks with dual-threat potential, Sellers’ ability to move the chains as a runner and thrower could make him the hottest commodity in scouting circles by the end of the 2026 season.
The No. 4-ranked quarterback, so far, is LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. The slender gunslinger is an efficient dink-and-dunk passer with underrated deep-ball prowess that forces opponents to defend the entire field. Nussmeier is ideally suited to play in a quick-rhythm offense that enables him to pepper the defense with touch and timing throws at intermediate range.
However, he also flashes the arm strength and range to push the ball down the field on various vertical throws that exploit and expose nosy safeties creeping to the line. Given his high IQ, pedigree, and processing skills, Nussmeier could skyrocket up the charts as a QB1 candidate in the 2026 class.
The No. 5 ranked quarterback sees Nico Iamaleava, who’s gearing up for his first season with UCLA. Despite entering the college football season viewed as Public Enemy No. 1, Iamaleava possesses the physical tools scouts covet in a franchise quarterback.
From his quick release to his limitless range as a deep-ball passer to his crafty running skills, Iamaleava is the mobile playmaker that enables offensive play-callers to utilize a mix of RPOs, bootlegs, and traditional dropback passes prominently in the game plan.
With the polarizing figure showing pinpoint accuracy and ball placement on vertical throws and in-breaking routes, he could force evaluators to look past his contract squabble with Tennessee to appreciate him as an elite QB prospect.
This leads to Clemson’s signal-caller, Cade Klubnik at No. 6. The talented playmaker is a dynamic offensive weapon with polished passing skills and explosive running ability. Measuring at good size with plus arm talent and athleticism, Klubnik is a scheme-friendly fit for any system.
KEEP READING: Top 100 Players for the 2026 NFL Draft
He has flashed franchise player potential at Clemson in his two-plus years starting, directing an offense that showcases his talents as a dual-threat. Though he needs another year of experience to continue his mastery of situational football, Klubnik’s spectacular moments could intrigue a team builder looking for a mobile playmaker with QB1 potential.
Carson Beck of Miami and Rocco Becht of Iowa State round out the seventh and eighth spots in the early quarterback rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. It remains to be seen where things go from here, but one thing we know for sure is that next year’s draft class is set to be one of the best quarterback classes in a long time.
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