As the 2021 NFL season kicks off, teams are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. And for good reason, as the quarterback class for that year could potentially reshape several franchises. With teams like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints potentially picking early, this college football season carries extra weight for the quarterbacks hoping to become the No. 1 overall pick. In addition, three of the top NFL draft prospects are among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, making this year’s race for college football’s most prestigious award even more exciting.
The three top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft are Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler, Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, and USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. All three are highly talented and have the potential to be top picks in the draft. However, they also face tough competition from other talented quarterbacks, making this season a crucial one for their draft stock.
Spencer Rattler, who took over as the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners last season, is already being touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick. The 6’1” quarterback has a strong arm and impressive mobility, making him a dual-threat on the field. In his first season as a starter, Rattler threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He also showed great improvement throughout the season, which bodes well for his future as a top NFL prospect.
Clemson’s DJ Uiagalelei is another top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, Uiagalelei has the size and strength to be a dominant force in the NFL. He also has a cannon for an arm and impressive accuracy, making him a dangerous threat in the passing game. He showed glimpses of his potential last season when he filled in for an injured Trevor Lawrence, throwing for 914 yards and five touchdowns in just two starts. With Lawrence now in the NFL, Uiagalelei will have the opportunity to showcase his talents as the starting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers.
Kedon Slovis, who has been the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans since his freshman year, is also a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6’3” quarterback has a smooth throwing motion and excellent pocket presence, making him a natural at the position. In his first two seasons at USC, Slovis threw for a total of 5,423 yards and 47 touchdowns, earning him multiple accolades and a spot on the watchlist for the Heisman Trophy. With another strong season, Slovis could solidify his place as a top draft prospect and potentially become the first USC quarterback to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick since Carson Palmer in 2003.
These three quarterbacks are not only competing for the top spot in the 2026 NFL Draft but also for the Heisman Trophy. All three are among the favorites to win the award, with Rattler having the best odds at +600, followed by Uiagalelei at +800 and Slovis at +1200. This adds even more pressure to their performances this season, but it also presents an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on a national stage and gain recognition as potential top picks in the draft.
However, these three quarterbacks are not the only ones vying for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are several other talented quarterbacks in the mix, such as North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Oregon’s Tyler Shough, and Liberty’s Malik Willis. This adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the college football season, as these players will be looking to make a name for themselves and improve their draft stock.
In addition to the quarterbacks, this year’s draft class also includes top prospects at other positions, such as wide receiver and offensive tackle. This means that teams with early draft picks will have a difficult decision to make, as they will have to choose between a talented quarterback and a highly-rated player at another position.
Overall, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the potential to reshape several franchises. The top quarterback prospects, along with other talented players, will be looking to prove themselves this season as
