As the 2025 college football season unfolds, NFL scouts are buzzing about the next generation of quarterbacks. With week 4 approaching, the race for the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft is heating up.
A recent poll by ESPN gathered insights from 25 NFL scouts and executives. They predicted potential frontrunners, revealing diverse opinions. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers topped the list with eight votes, closely followed by LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier with seven. Other contenders included Carson Beck from Miami and John Mateer from Oklahoma, each receiving three votes. Penn State’s Drew Allar earned two, while Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Texas’ Arch Manning each received one.
The excitement around these players stems from their performances so far. Sellers is generating buzz due to his impressive physical talent and instinctiveness. One veteran scout noted, “He has a unique talent level. His ability to scramble and make plays as a runner intrigues people.” At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he fits the modern mold of a quarterback who can excel in both passing and running situations.
Nussmeier, though slightly smaller at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, also brings skills to the table. LSU coach Brian Kelly has encouraged him to utilize his legs more in plays, highlighting a broader development plan for him. A scout praised his instinct and arm strength, noting, “He finds a way to make plays.”
Carson Beck has seen a resurgence this season after a challenging 2024. A scout remarked, “Let’s see if Beck can keep it going. He has enough ability to be a top contender.” Meanwhile, John Mateer’s recent strong showing against Michigan has caught some eyes as he fits the dual-threat role.
Despite the hype, there’s uncertainty. Many players, including Sellers and Manning, have remaining eligibility, making their decisions about the draft unclear. Manning, a highly regarded talent, has received mixed feedback about his start to the season. “He just needs to get the game under control and slow it down,” one scout suggested.
As these athletes continue to develop, the 2026 NFL draft will surely be an intriguing event. NFL teams are always on the lookout for the next standout player, and this year’s crop seems to have numerous options.
In recent years, the importance of dual-threat quarterbacks has surged. According to a study from the NFL’s research department, teams with mobile quarterbacks are often more successful, as they can adapt to evolving defense strategies. This trend is evident in how coaches now prioritize agility and quick decision-making alongside traditional passing skills.
The competition for top quarterback talent will only intensify as the season progresses, providing fans and teams alike with plenty to watch and consider.
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