May 10, 2026, 10:16 p.m. ET

There will most likely never be a quarterback draft class like 1983. With John Elway, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Ken O’Brien, Tony Eason and Todd Blackledge, it is the gold standard for QB draft classes. All six of those aforementioned names were selected in the first round that year, and it’s a class that produced three Hall of Famers, four Super Bowl participants and multiple MVPs.

Not saying that next year could be anything like the 1983 class, as that was generationally elite. However, we could easily see six signal callers go in the first round again. Only time will tell if they develop into elite QBs or not.

Arch Manning, Texas

The 2027 class could be special, and it all starts with the college football player that you have heard and read about the most. Manning has had as much hype as any prospect in recent memory, but he made the right choice to stay in school another year. Much like a year ago at this time, Manning is the consensus projection to go first overall in the next draft. 

Dante Moore, Oregon

Moore was projected to easily be a top five pick, had he come out this year. Thus, it stands to reason that this disciple of Cleveland Browns QB Dillon Gabriel will be in the mix to go first overall next April. Coming back to school may have been a bit of a risky proposition for Moore, but as long as he stays healthy, it’s a decision that will pay off nicely for him. 

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Jayden Maiava, USC

The Trojans signal caller is the classic example of somebody who wasn’t well known, at a mainstream level, at the beginning of the season but developed into a bonafide star as the campaign went on. Leading a high-powered, clinically efficient attack, Maiava started to reach his potential. Hawaii has been producing more stellar footbal players lately, and Maiava is next.  

Darien Mensah, Miami

The Duke transfer is poised to develop his game to the next level in Coral Gables. Mensah is a dual-threat QB who just might prove to be the next classic example of someone who really boosted their professional prospects due to NIL. The chance to earn money through NIL in college, and thus not have to chase a paycheck in the pros, before you’re ready, is a game-changing advantage for prospects like Mensah. 

CJ Carr, Notre Dame

This Carr will be in the driver’s seat to take the Irish offense in a new direction this fall. Obviously, ND was ground-oriented in 2025 as they boasted the only two tailbacks who became first round draft picks last month. But with both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price now gone, this is Carr’s team, and perhaps he’ll make the most of that. Expect a Maiava in ’25 like positive trajectory. 

Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

The North Texas transfer now moves to a program that has been synonymous with high octane passing attacks over the years. While that has dropped off a bit recently, as Mike Gundy lost a lot on his head coaching fastball, the Cowboys are poised for a turnaround this year under Eric Morris. Mestemaker will see his NFL Draft stock surge.Â