2027 NFL Draft QB rankings: Where do Arch Manning, Julian Sayin fall?

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYSat, February 28, 2026 at 11:03 AM UTC

0

There's always next time.

A year ago, NFL franchises that missed out on Cam Ward could pin their hopes on what was a promising 2026 quarterback class. Five prospects - including one with a Hall of Fame lineage - could've been the answer to their hopes and dreams.

But the 2025 season panned out in one of the worst ways for quarterback-needy teams. Injuries to potential first-round prospects Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar knocked their status down. Arch Manning, Dante Moore and LaNorris Sellers all stayed in school for 2026.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the prize of the class and a lock for No. 1 overall. Everyone but the Las Vegas Raiders can hope a mid-round pick pans out or try their luck next year.

But what does next year hold?

As always, projecting how prospects will perform a year in advance can be a fickle exercise. There's a chance some of these players suffer injuries and/or underperform, as Allar and Nussmeier did in 2025.

For now, we're looking at the 2027 class with rose-tinted glasses. Here's our top five quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class - plus three other names to monitor:

2027 NFL Draft QB rankings1. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Sayin burst onto the scene in his first year as a starter taking over from Will Howard. The redshirt freshman notched 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first year as a starter. He wasn't dinking and dunking the ball, either, with an average depth of target (ADOT) of 8.7 yards, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) data.

Sayin is slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds but will turn 21 this summer. He could take another huge step in 2026.

The former Elite 11 MVP has the best wide receiver in college football to throw to in Jeremiah Smith and an experienced offensive line in front of him. Barring a surprise injury, Sayin will be in the No. 1 pick conversation for 2027.

2. Dante Moore, Oregon

Moore's decision to return to Eugene was the most-anticipated of this entire group. He showed plenty of flashes in his first year as a starter with the Ducks, layering throws in the intermediate areas of the field.

Advertisement

Moore showed out well all year but was exposed against Indiana's defense multiple times. Those games showed his deficiencies in reading defenses pre- and post-snap. He's still a young prospect; he turns 21 this summer. Another year to better understand opposing defenses will only improve his development for 2027.

3. Arch Manning, Texas

Manning struggled mightily at the start of the 2025 season but settled in later on as the Longhorns' offensive line hit a stride. Five of his seven interceptions came in the first five games of the year. He'll need to build on how he performed later in the season to prove that his rough start was a fluke.

Crucially, offensive tackle Trevor Goosby and guard Brandon Baker are back in Austin in 2026. That continuity, plus another step from wideout Ryan Wingo, should provide an environment for Manning to take a step. He'll have an early chance to prove that point with a home matchup against Ohio State in Week 2.

4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers would've been the most athletic quarterback in the 2026 class had he not returned to South Carolina. His massive frame and game-changing tools make him one of the most intriguing players in the 2027 class.

He needs to take notable steps as a passer to earn his way back to first-round consideration in what should be a better class. He's a dynamic threat in the open field at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds with a background in soccer. If he puts things together from the pocket, his high ceiling makes him worth a risk.

5. Jayden Maiava, USC

Maiava took a step down the stretch in 2025 and wrapped the season completing 65.3% of his passes (up from 59.8% in 2024). His arm strength and quick release for a player of his size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) should excite evaluators entering 2026.

Despite the improvements he showed as a passer, Maiava still threw 10 interceptions in 2025. Six came on big stages against Notre Dame, Oregon and TCU in the Trojans' loss in the Alamo Bowl. Maiava is losing top targets Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane and Lake McRee to the NFL Draft. How he adapts to a new group of pass-catchers and improves on the field could see him break into first-round consideration.

Other quarterbacks to know

Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech: Sorsby was the prize of the transfer portal quarterbacks after opting to return to school instead of declaring for the 2026 draft. The former Cincinnati Bearcats passer brings

Sam Leavitt, LSU: Leavitt was a dual-threat quarterback who produced well for the Sun Devils in 2025 despite a mid-season foot injury. He finished the year with 15 total touchdowns and nearly 2,000 total yards (passing and rushing). He could take a huge step forward under Lane Kiffin with the Tigers in 2026.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: Chambliss won his appeal to return to Ole Miss for 2026. He finished his 2025 season on a high with eight touchdowns to zero interceptions in his final four games of the year. He's another dual-threat quarterback but some frame questions (6-foot, 200 pounds) will persist regardless of how he performs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 NFL Draft QB rankings: Arch Manning or Julian Sayin at No. 1?

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”