Top Quarterbacks to Watch for the 2027 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com 
Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) hands the ball off to running back Jeremiyah Love (4) in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images If your team didn’t find a quarterback in the 2026 draft, it could be worth an entry in the gratitude journal.
General managers practiced what most believed about the ’26 draft class — it could be one of the thinnest on star potential in years.
The one player most agreed was worth the freight is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. But at this time last year, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner was barely on the radar.
Teams that stood still in the QB market in 2026 are pining for what’s next: a potentially loaded group with another Manning trying to climb to the top.
Here are five QBs who could be front and center during the 2027 NFL Draft:
1. CJ Carr, Notre Dame Redshirt Sophomore in 2026
Carr has football blood in his veins and impressive pocket presence to fire accurate passes in the face of the blitz. Notre Dame narrowly missed a playoff spot in Carr’s first season. He has all the tools to will the Irish run next season.
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Redshirt Junior in 2026
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) looks to pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES
Sayin was the top quarterback in his recruiting class and started off his career strong, placing in
the Heisman race in his sophomore season. While some question whether Sayin has the live arm to be a top-of-class prospect, there’s no doubting his functional athleticism and accuracy are more than enough to earn a shot as a starter in the NFL.
3. Arch Manning, Texas Redshirt Junior in 2026
Much more than a product of nepotism, this Manning has the arm and athleticism to match top
quarterbacks in the league already. He mellowed out and has cut down on turnovers after a rough first half of his sophomore season, and a big jump could be in the cards this fall.
4. Sam Leavitt, LSU Redshirt Junior in 2022
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes during a practice inside the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe on Aug. 12, 2025. Leavitt was coveted in the transfer portal and put on the travel miles to sit down with high-profile programs. It’s easy to see why he rated as the portal’s most wanted QB. Leavitt is a natural thrower with great scrambling ability and the mechanics to make accurate, off-platform throws. His upside is evident and Leavitt could be certified as a legitimate first-round prospect if he avoids injury and performs in spotlight games.
5. Darian Mensah, Miami Junior in 2026
After initially sticking with Duke and briefly leading the nation in loyalty points, Mensah found more green and hopes for greener grass with national title runner-up Miami. He’ll replace Carson Beck and has the great accuracy and slippery pocket elusiveness to push the Hurricanes’ mission forward.
#Top #Quarterbacks #Watch #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com
Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) hands the ball off to running back Jeremiyah Love (4) in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images If your team didn’t find a quarterback in the 2026 draft, it could be worth an entry in the gratitude journal.
General managers practiced what most believed about the ’26 draft class — it could be one of the thinnest on star potential in years.
The one player most agreed was worth the freight is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. But at this time last year, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner was barely on the radar.
Teams that stood still in the QB market in 2026 are pining for what’s next: a potentially loaded group with another Manning trying to climb to the top.
Here are five QBs who could be front and center during the 2027 NFL Draft:
1. CJ Carr, Notre Dame Redshirt Sophomore in 2026
Carr has football blood in his veins and impressive pocket presence to fire accurate passes in the face of the blitz. Notre Dame narrowly missed a playoff spot in Carr’s first season. He has all the tools to will the Irish run next season.
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Redshirt Junior in 2026
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) looks to pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Sayin was the top quarterback in his recruiting class and started off his career strong, placing in
the Heisman race in his sophomore season. While some question whether Sayin has the live arm to be a top-of-class prospect, there’s no doubting his functional athleticism and accuracy are more than enough to earn a shot as a starter in the NFL.
3. Arch Manning, Texas Redshirt Junior in 2026
Much more than a product of nepotism, this Manning has the arm and athleticism to match top
quarterbacks in the league already. He mellowed out and has cut down on turnovers after a rough first half of his sophomore season, and a big jump could be in the cards this fall.
4. Sam Leavitt, LSU Redshirt Junior in 2022
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes during a practice inside the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe on Aug. 12, 2025. Leavitt was coveted in the transfer portal and put on the travel miles to sit down with high-profile programs. It’s easy to see why he rated as the portal’s most wanted QB. Leavitt is a natural thrower with great scrambling ability and the mechanics to make accurate, off-platform throws. His upside is evident and Leavitt could be certified as a legitimate first-round prospect if he avoids injury and performs in spotlight games.
5. Darian Mensah, Miami Junior in 2026
After initially sticking with Duke and briefly leading the nation in loyalty points, Mensah found more green and hopes for greener grass with national title runner-up Miami. He’ll replace Carson Beck and has the great accuracy and slippery pocket elusiveness to push the Hurricanes’ mission forward.
![Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200,fo-auto/29154804.jpg "Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York")
![Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200,fo-auto/29154804.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York")
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