With the Pittsburgh Steelers in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers Now will be taking stock of the draft class every week of the 2025 college football season. Week two saw some bounce-back performances and concerning regressions of others.
STOCK UP: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
After a relatively underwhelming start to the season, Mendoza took advantage of the Kennesaw State defense. Yes, it was Kennesaw State. However, the performance is what you expected to see from an NFL Draft prospect.Â
En route to a 56-9 victory, Mendoza completed 18 of 25 passes, averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt, and four touchdowns. The Indiana Hoosier offense improved its redzone scoring by going four-of-four inside the Owls’ 20.
While the performance was expected, it showed the difference a week can make. There is no preseason at the collegiate level. Mendoza took a step in the right direction as he needed to do. Expect Mendoza to be on the Steelers radar as a B1G QB.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 11, QB6
Season Stats: 36-of-56 (64.29%), 438 yards (7.82 y/a), 4 TD, 0 INT
STOCK UP: Arch Manning, Texas
Similar to Mendoza, Manning had an underwhelming performance in week one. The difference, however, was that Manning and his Texas team suffered a loss. He would get his home debut for 2026 against San Jose State.
The NFL-family prodigy had a bounce-back performance that made Texas fans feel better going forward. In their 38-7 victory over San Jose, he accounted for all five touchdowns. He threw four scores through the air and rushed for another on a 20-yard dash into the endzone. He completed over 60% of his passes and also averaged nearly 10 yards per attempt.
Again, the competition was much less fierce than that of the Ohio State defense. Regardless, Manning displayed the talent he possesses, but he will have to prove himself to some spectators as the season goes on. He will have plenty of opportunities in the SEC to do just that. Chances are he could be out of the Steelers reach, but expect Pittsburgh to do their due diligence.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 2, QB2
Season Stats: 36-of-60 (60%), 465 yards (7.75 y/a), 5 TD, 2 INT
STOCK DOWN: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Klubnik has had a very rough start to the 2025 season. It has gotten to the point that his team struggled against Troy and saw themselves down 16-0 early in the first half. Though the Tigers were able to claw their way back into the game and come away victorious, it was a rough day for the 2026 draft prospect.
Klubnik did not score his first touchdown until a third-quarter defensive play by the Tigers set them up to take the lead. The 26-yard touchdown pass gave the Tigers their first lead of the day.Â
He finished the day 18 of 24, 196 yards, and two touchdown passes. Despite the grit and ability to overcome adversity, Klubnik’s play early in the season is concerning. His lone interception, resulting in a pick-six, summarized his start to the game.
The weather delay may not have helped matters, but Klubnik’s play so far in the season has been dreadful at times. Missed throws, poor decisions, and erratic mechanics have put a dent in what looked to be a promising season for the former five-star recruit. This isn’t a great formula for the style of play Mike Tomlin prefers for the Steelers.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 4, QB4
Season Stats: 37-of-62 (59.68%), 426 yards (6.87 y/a), 2 TD, 2 INT
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Athletics
STOCK DOWN: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
While Arizona State traveled to a tougher opponent in week two, Mississippi State isn’t exactly The Swamp or Jordan-Hare. The Sun Devils went into halftime down 17-3–those three points courtesy of a roughing the passer penalty that put them in field goal range to close the half.
Leavitt started the game five of 16 for 30 yards with an interception. After a solid performance in week one, Leavitt took a step back for the 2025 season. Despite Arizona State tying the game up at one point, they suffered a 24-20 defeat. Leavitt finished under 50% completion rate, less than 100 yards passing, and threw two costly interceptions.
As is the case with all of these quarterbacks, there remains a lot of football to be played. The Arizona State schedule, however, doesn’t necessarily get easier. They will face a number of ranked and near-ranked opponents throughout the rest of the season. Leavitt will need to be sharper moving forward. His competitiveness will be on full display for the Steelers.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 46, QB7
Season Stats: 35-of-61 (57.38%), 339 yards (5.6 y/a), 3 TD, 3 INT.
STOCK UP: Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
Beck came to Miami after two seasons as a starter at Georgia. After leading Miami to a victory over Notre Dame in week one, Miami, as was the case for most of the 2026 prospects, faced a less strong opponent in Bethune-Cookman this week.
Beck picked up where he left off against the Fighting Irish. The Hurricanes rolled to victory. Beck was as efficient as a quarterback can get. He completed over 90% of his passes, averaged 11.1 yards per attempt, and threw a pair of touchdowns.
The former four-star quarterback has the tools, frame, and experience to make a case as a first-round prospect. If he can lead Miami on a postseason run, his stock could soar higher than it was at the end of the 2023 season. Plus, the Steelers and Mike Tomlin like to evaluate Georgia alumni.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 65, QB9
Season Stats: 42-of-55 (76.36%), 472 yards (8.58 y/a), 4 TD, 0 INT
STOCK UP: Tommy Castellanos, Florida State
What a two weeks it has been for Castellanos. After leading the Seminoles with his legs over the Alabama Crimson Tide, he helped Florida State put up big numbers in week two. The former Boston College signal caller has made an intriguing case to boost his stock through two weeks.
As seems to have been the case this week, the ACC powerhouse hosted lower competition in East Texas A&M. Castellanos and company sent the Lions home after a 77-3 victory. Yes, it was a team they paid to come and play against, but Castellanos has been placed center-stage of a so far impressive Florida State turnaround.
Castellanos didn’t need to do much, but was very efficient in his limited playing time. He completed eight of 11 passes, accrued an outstanding 237 yards, and threw three touchdowns. This time last year, the Seminoles were struggling to just compete on the field. A year later, they are upsetting teams and scoring 11 touchdowns in one game.Â
Is Castellanos a first-round pick prospect? As it stands, no. However, in back-to-back weeks, Castellanos has put together some noteworthy performances. It’s not uncommon for an under-the-radar quarterback to make a surge up draft boards in their final season in college ball. Perhaps the former three-star recruit could be onto something and be a future Steelers backup.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 720, QB
Season Stats: 17-of-25 (68%), 389 yards (15.56 y/a), 3 TD, 0 INT
Mentioned In This Article: 2026 NFL Draft Arch Manning Cade Klubnik Carson Beck Fernando Mendoza Pittsburgh Steelers Sam Leavitt Steelers Tommy Castellanos top