As the NFL season kicks off, teams are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, where the quarterback class is expected to be one of the strongest in recent years. With franchises like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints potentially picking early, this college football season carries extra weight for quarterbacks hoping to become the No. 1 overall pick. And among the top contenders for the coveted Heisman Trophy, there are several standout quarterbacks who are also projected to be top picks in the draft.

One of the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft is Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior has already made a name for himself in the college football world, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff last season. Rattler’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray. With another strong season, Rattler could solidify his spot as the top quarterback in the draft and potentially even the No. 1 overall pick.

Another quarterback to keep an eye on is North Carolina’s Sam Howell. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior burst onto the scene as a freshman, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 38 touchdowns. He followed that up with another impressive season, throwing for 3,586 yards and 30 touchdowns. Howell’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs has drawn comparisons to former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. With another strong season, Howell could solidify his spot as a top pick in the draft and potentially even challenge Rattler for the No. 1 overall pick.

But it’s not just the top two quarterbacks who are making waves in the Heisman and NFL Draft conversation. There are several other talented signal-callers who could also hear their names called early in the draft.

One of those quarterbacks is Liberty’s Malik Willis. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior has been a dynamic playmaker for the Flames, throwing for over 2,250 yards and 20 touchdowns while also rushing for over 900 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Willis’ combination of arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability has drawn comparisons to NFL star Russell Wilson. With another strong season, Willis could solidify his spot as a first-round pick in the draft.

Another quarterback to watch is USC’s Kedon Slovis. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior has been a standout for the Trojans since taking over as the starter in his freshman year. He has thrown for over 5,000 yards and 47 touchdowns in his two seasons as a starter. Slovis’ accuracy and decision-making have drawn comparisons to NFL star Matt Ryan. With another strong season, Slovis could solidify his spot as a top pick in the draft and potentially even challenge for the No. 1 overall pick.

And let’s not forget about Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound redshirt freshman is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes this season after the departure of Justin Fields. Stroud was a highly-touted recruit and has impressed in limited playing time so far. With the talent and coaching surrounding him at Ohio State, Stroud has the potential to make a big impact and potentially even enter the Heisman and NFL Draft conversation.

Of course, there are always surprises in the NFL Draft, and this year’s quarterback class is no exception. There are several other talented quarterbacks who could emerge as top picks, including Iowa’s Spencer Petras, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder.

But one thing is for sure, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-heavy one, with several talented signal-callers vying for the top spot. And with the added pressure of potentially being the No. 1 overall pick, this college football season carries extra weight for these quarterbacks. It’s a season that could make or break their chances at achieving their NFL dreams.

So as we gear up for another exciting college football season, keep an eye on these top quarterback prospects and their journey towards the Heisman Trophy and the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s sure to be a thrilling ride for both the players and the fans.