South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is returning to school, further diminishing an already underwhelming 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class. This development leaves teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers with fewer top options, as prospects Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore emerge as the leading candidates. Sellers' decision comes after a season of struggles, including injuries and inconsistent play.
The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class, once hyped with potential top talents, has seen its stock decline throughout the college football season. A significant blow came when South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers announced his return for another year, as reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. Sellers, projected as a potential top-10 pick before the season, threw for 2,437 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while rushing for 270 yards—a drop from his 674 rushing yards in 2023. Injuries and accuracy issues hampered his performance, though his physical traits could still elevate him in future drafts, possibly for 2027.
With Sellers off the board, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza stands as the prohibitive favorite to be the first quarterback selected. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Heisman Trophy finalist draws comparisons to Philip Rivers for his size, accuracy, poise, and downfield arm strength. Mendoza offers better mobility than Rivers, particularly in the red zone, making him a prime target for teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Jets. Oregon's Dante Moore is viewed as the second-top prospect, with a slender 6-foot-3, 206-pound frame reminiscent of Jayden Daniels. Moore excels at gliding in the pocket and delivering precise downfield strikes, though his draft entry remains uncertain as he turns 21 in May.
Texas' Arch Manning adds intrigue, with scouts believing his raw talent and size could make him the No. 1 overall pick if he declares early. Despite an up-and-down season, including a rough start against Ohio State, Manning's late surge solidified his role as the Longhorns' starter. However, his family indicates he plans to stay at Texas for 2026 to prepare further. Other preseason favorites like LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Penn State's Drew Allar, and Clemson's Cade Klubnik have underperformed, thinning the class further.
Alabama's Ty Simpson could round out the top three if he enters the draft, as projected in Dane Brugler's mock for The Athletic, where he goes to the Steelers. For quarterback-needy franchises, the limited pool may force creative moves, such as trading up for Mendoza or Moore, both likely top-10 selections.
