2026 Senior Bowl: NFLQuarterback Prospects

In the past decade, many current starters have displayed their skills in Mobile, AL: Bo Nix (2024), Jordan Love (2020), Justin Herbert (2020), Jalen Hurts (2020), Daniel Jones (2019), Josh Allen (2018), Baker Mayfield (2018), Dak Prescott (2016) and Carson Wentz (2016). There are also many backups on rosters who have impacted fantasy rosters as spot starters: Tyson Bagent (2023), Malik Willis (2022), Mac Jones (2021), Gardner Minshew (2019), Davis Webb (2017), and Jacoby Brissett (2016). Unfortunately, the quarterbacks at the 2026 Senior Bowl are high-level prospects who will be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. A couple might have nice careers as professionals as late-rounders, but will not be immediate difference-makers in the league or on fantasy rosters.

2026 Senior Bowl: Top NFL Quarterback Prospects

After observing quarterbacks all fall, there is only one worthy of a first-round grade at the position in the upcoming Draft. Yet. Both the Raiders and Jets desperately need a franchise quarterback, and Las Vegas will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will not be at the Senior Bowl, with the first overall pick. It leaves New York in a desperate situation, seeking a signal caller to lead the organization. Sadly, the Senior Bowl participants will not solve the Jets’ challenge.

All six quarterbacks are featured below, ranked with key stats from their college careers. Matt Hicks and I also examine all the players on the Rookie Big Board show, available below.

Luke Altmyer, Illinois

I have seen Luke Altmyer play far more often than I am comfortable admitting. A team captain in 2025, the Ilini field general leaves campus as one of the more accomplished passers in history: Ranked first in career passer rating (144.31) and completion percentage (64.4%), second in wins (23) and touchdown passes (57), and fifth in passing yards (7,607). In the past two seasons, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten and led Illinois to six victories over ranked teams. He kicked off his career at Mississippi in 2021 before transferring north in 2023. At 6-2 and 215 pounds, Altmyer profiles as a career backup with a high football IQ, but lacks the arm strength to fit the pigskin in tight windows and accuracy while under duress in the pocket.

Taylen Green, Arkansas

At 6-5 and 235 pounds, Taylen Green has the size and athleticism that entice scouts. He is a dynamic runner with an electric arm, and some moments on tape tantalize coaches and fans. Green spent three seasons at Boise State before moving to Arkansas for the past two campaigns. During his career, he passed for nearly 10,000 yards and 59 touchdowns. On the ground, he scampered for over 2,400 yards and 35 scores. It is essential to dig deep into his game logs and consider the context to gain a bigger picture. When he played non-SEC opponents, Green posted prodigious numbers and led the Razorbacks to victories. However, against Conference rivals, his performances were less consistent and productive. Recognizing these differences helps comprehend his potential as a long-term project with captivating upside as a fantasy performer via his legs.

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Last summer, Garrett Nussmeier garnered national headlines as a preseason All-American and ranked among the elite quarterback prospects in the 2026 Draft. Alas, he did not come close to meeting the expectations placed on him. Enduring an abdominal injury since training camp that lingered during the season, he was eventually sidelined in Week 10 after a three-game losing streak. He never returned to the field and decided to enter the Draft. Last year, he passed for only 12 touchdowns and 1,927 yards while completing over 67% of throws. The previous season, he excelled as a passer, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier and is an old-school pocket passer. From a fantasy perspective, Nussmeier does not provide rushing upside, dashing for negative yards, and only five scores in five years.

Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

Over my summer research, I liked Sawyer Robertson as a dark-horse prospect in the 2026 Draft. After being named the starter in the third game of the 2024 campaign, he had played well once he took over the reins of the Bears’ offense and was named preseason First Team All-Big 12 by Phil Steele. Despite the optimism, the redshirt senior and Baylor did not transcend forecasts as the offense sputtered and the Bears finished 5-7. Robertson concluded the season with over 3,600 passing yards and 31 aerial strikes. On the ground, he only gained 17 yards after rushing for 230 in 2024. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Robertson owns a live arm and can perform well outside of the play script. The Senior Bowl provides the former Baylor signal-caller an opportunity to increase his draft value with a pronounced performance.

Cole Payton, North Dakota State

In 2025, Cole Payton finally earned the starting position for the Bisons and delivered a productive campaign, which propelled him to a Senior Bowl invite. He earned Second Team All-MVC after passing for 2,719 yards, dashing for 717 yards, and logging 29 total touchdowns, 16 passing and 13 rushing. He led the FCS with a 197.4 passer rating and finished third in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, considered the FCS Heisman. At 6-3 and 233 pounds, Payton only started for one season and did not attempt as many throws as top-level prospects. However, as a dual-threat signal caller, he does have some of the skills teams are looking for in the modern game. He could significantly increase his draft evaluation with a good week of workouts.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

From an analytics model perspective, Diego Pavia looks fascinating as a quarterback prospect. In two years at Vanderbilt, Pavia rose to All-American status and led the team to 17 victories. In 2025, he finished second in the Heisman voting and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. Yet, it is crucial to watch the tape to place these achievements in context and develop a more complete understanding. He does not fire the ball into tight windows or outside the hashmarks with zip. He does not possess clean mechanics or display anticipatory throws. Despite the statistical numbers and numerous accolades, Pavia is a late Day 3 or UDFA prospect when considering his entire profile. Reviewing game film helps clarify his passing potential and professional limitations for Draftniks and fantasy fans alike.

Senior Bowl QB Prospect Rankings

Key:
P-yrds = Passing Yards
R-yrds = Rushing Yards
P-Atts = Passing Attempts