No matter what Arch Manning chooses to do, the 2026
ESPN analyst Field Yates just recently dropped a first-round mock for the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of the college football season. It includes several quarterbacks being taken in the leading half of the 32 choices that make up the first round, making for a class heavy with signal-callers.
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This mock is presuming, of course, that Texas quarterback Arch Manning does declare, something he tangentially mentioned in an interview the other day, though no assurances have actually been made either way. With that in mind, here are some of the choices that Yates predicted for 2026.
1. Cleveland Browns: QB Arch Manning, Texas
Regardless of the reality they recently prepared Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (third round, select no. 94) and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders (5th round, pick no. 144), Yates reasons that if Cleveland finds itself selecting very first overall in 2026, and Texas quarterback Arch Manning is on the board, that he will be the choice for a franchise that has had a hard time in discovering a franchise foundation. Manning finished 67.8% of his 90 passes last season for 939 yards and nine touchdowns through the air, with another four on the ground in limited action.
Yates had the following to say from a scouting standpoint.
“Manning has a great develop, tosses with accuracy to all levels of the field and reveals solid motion qualities. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and requires to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, however it’s easy to see his immense ceiling.”
2. New York City Jets: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Another team that has had its troubles discovering constant play at the quarterback area, the New York Jets would jump at the chance to take LaNorris Sellers, a possible Heisman prospect out of South Carolina who last year had 18 passing and seven hurrying goals, finished 65.6% of his passes, and combined for over 3,200 total lawns of offense.
Yates is high up on Sellers’ capacity, applauding the Gamecocks’ star.
Sellers is a substantial and powerful thrower who made massive strides in his game in 2024. His escapability from pressure in the pocket is a real X aspect; some plays on his tape show tones of Josh Allen. His finest minutes are jaw-dropping, and his overall mobility is excellent.
3. New Orleans Saints: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
The Saints have actually had difficulty replacing the famous Drew Brees– but in this mock draft, they would change the previous Westlake star with another star from the very same high school in Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, who helped the Chaparrals to three consecutive state titles en route to among the most accomplished high school football professions in Texas history. He was elite in 2015, tossing for 36 passing goals (to simply 6 interceptions), over 3,600 lawns, and rushing for 7 more scores.
Yates said the following of Klubnik, who will lead a packed Clemson team into 2025.
Klubnik is a mechanically sound and precise passer who accounted for 43 total touchdowns during his breakout 2024 season (36 passing, 7 hurrying). He does not have elite size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but he ‘d use the Saints some stability at QB as they reset their roster.
9. Los Angeles Rams: QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
The Arizona State Sun Devils gave Texas all it might manage and more in their narrow Peach Bowl loss last Brand-new Year’s Day, and though Sam Leavitt had a hard time for the much better part of the match, he returns to Tempe with a tremendous weapon at wide receiver in Jordyn Tyson, the projected no. 20 choice to Denver. Leavitt last season chose 31 total goals to just 6 interceptions, tossing for over 2,800 lawns and assisting lead Arizona State to arguably their best season since 1996.
Yates has high expectations for Leavitt in 2025.
Leavitt is an innovator, showing remarkable poise, moxie and creativity under duress. The redshirt sophomore is a skilled thrower and extremely strong runner. He had at least three passing touchdowns and no interceptions in 5 of his last 7 matches last season, and he finished with 443 hurrying yards on the year.
11. Indianapolis Colts: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
For a group that simply named Daniel Jones as their starter over the embattled Anthony Richardson, the Colts are a prime prospect for a team that requires a new quarterback. With four signal-callers currently off the board, there is still skill entrusted Penn State’s Drew Allar, who almost led the Nittany Lions to the National Championship last season. He tossed 24 goals to eight picks last season, finishing 66.5% of his passes and tape-recording 3,327 backyards. He likewise rushed for six goals.
Yates said this about the inbound senior.
Allar has ideal 6-foot-5, 235-pound size, great mobility and a rocket arm. I also see moments of creativity on the tape. The tools and upside have actually critics intrigued, but they likewise wish to see more consistency and urgency in the pocket in 2025. If he puts everything together, Allar would be a great get for the Colts in this range.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier is a player that could have been selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, however opted to return to LSU in pursuit of a National Championship, and perhaps a Heisman Trophy. Last season, he threw for 4,052 backyards and 29 goals, however his “gunslinger” element also allowed for 12 interceptions and a 64% completion percentage. He is not a rushing quarterback, however, recording -38 yards on 34 brings last season.
Yates is high up on Nussmeier’s tossing capability, but has some concerns somewhere else.
” [Nussmeier] resembles a point guard on the field, playing with elite processing abilities and great precision. He lacks vibrant athleticism and has simply solid arm strength, but he is still able to deliver the ball on time and to spots where his receivers can develop after the catch.”
Other Noteworthy Gamers Mentioned
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill is forecasted as the 10th general choice in the draft to the Seattle Seahawks, while the Longhorns will deal with the projected no. 5 choice, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, in Week 1 in Columbus.
A trio of Clemson defenders in defensive take on Peter Woods (no. 4, New york city Giants), edge rusher TJ Parker (no. 8, New England Patriots), and cornerback Avieon Terrell (no. 15, Miami Dolphins) further fortify the extremely talented roster that the Tigers will have in 2025. They likewise have offending tackle Blake Miller projected at choice no. 31 to Philadelphia.
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While no other Longhorns grace the list outside of Manning and Hill, it’s totally possible– even most likely– that some other Texas players find themselves in the preliminary, particularly if the season goes the way analysts are predicting it will. Some prospects for that are wide receiver DeAndre Moore, guard DJ Campbell, take on Trevor Goosby, and corner Malik “Manny” Muhammad.
Regardless of what Arch Manning chooses to do, this will be a highly promoted class, especially for quarterbacks.