Quarterback Showdowns Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the 2025 college football season enters its conference schedule, teams are preparing for vital showdowns. This past week of games provided insights into the next generation of quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, which is expected to feature many standout players.

Among the top prospects, four quarterbacks remain firmly in position for first-round consideration. Key test games this Saturday will further shape their standings.

Haynes King and his performance for the LSU Tigers stood out last week. After a shaky week against Florida, King bounced back with a four-touchdown game against a less competitive team. King displayed a more consistent rhythm, completing plays under pressure, as noted by Coach Brian Kelly, who praised King’s recovery from an offseason injury.

While King celebrates his success, South Carolina‘s quarterback, Lenna Sellers, is under pressure to improve. He achieved over 300 passing yards against Vanderbilt for the first time this season but displayed inconsistent decision-making, which led to close calls with turnovers. Sellers faces a tougher challenge against Kentucky this week.

Mendoza from Indiana also profited from an aggressive offensive game plan, tossing 14 touchdowns—leading the nation so far. However, his mobility kept him from showcasing his full potential, and he’ll need to step up against a strong Iowa defense.

UCLA‘s Dante Moore has shown promise with quick decision-making and is pushing for a higher ranking as he gears up for a critical matchup against Oregon this week.

The outlook remains uncertain for several players, including Auburn‘s Mateer, who had to manage high-pressure situations against Keldrick Faulk’s defense. Improvement is vital, especially ahead of upcoming games that can impact draft standings significantly.

Jayden Maiava from USC and Carson Beck of Miami round out the list of promising candidates to watch in the coming weeks, further adding to the anticipation of the 2026 NFL draft.