Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has emerged as the top-rated quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft at the midseason point, surpassing South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in updated positional rankings from The Athletic.
Moore ranks first despite having only five starts in 2025. He has posted a 14-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and displayed qualities that project to the NFL level, according to the updated evaluations.
The former highly-touted recruit has demonstrated the ability to rescue Oregon’s offense with both his arm and legs. His performance against Penn State particularly stood out, with multiple plays showcasing NFL-caliber decision-making and athleticism.
Sellers remains at No. 2 despite underwhelming statistical production. At 20 years old, the South Carolina quarterback continues to make plays that highlight his unique skill set, though another college season would benefit his development.
Mendoza transferred from Cal to Indiana and has lived up to preseason expectations as a top-20 prospect. His physical traits are unremarkable, but his accuracy and football intelligence consistently show on film.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier was not included in the top three due to ongoing injury concerns. Alabama’s Ty Simpson has only five career starts but could finish among the top three quarterbacks based on early-season performance.
Penn State’s Drew Allar and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik were not graded as first-round prospects entering the season. Texas’ Arch Manning should be viewed as a 2027 or 2028 prospect at this stage of his development.
The rankings represent evaluations based on sufficient sample sizes rather than single-game performances. Positional rankings will continue to fluctuate as the college football season progresses into conference play.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love remains the clear top running back, with Michigan’s Justice Haynes and Washington’s Jonah Coleman competing for the second tier. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson leads wide receivers, followed by USC’s Makai Lemon and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, who leads the FBS with six catches of 40-plus yards.
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. tops his position as an elite run defender with consistent pass-rush disruption. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese leads all Buckeyes in tackles and pass breakups. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy holds the top spot despite working back from an ACL injury.
Penn State’s Drew Allar and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik were not graded as first-round prospects entering the season. Texas’ Arch Manning should be viewed as a 2027 or 2028 prospect at this stage.