The Jets will be in the quarterback market until they’re truly not. Justin Fields is a fine quarterback, but he’s far from a guaranteed answer — especially now on his third team in five years. With a new regime possibly arriving after this season, the franchise may look to draft their own guy. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class entered the season with high expectations and plenty of intrigue. After an action-packed Week 1, some names surged into the spotlight, while others raised red flags. Here’s an early look at which quarterbacks saw their stock rise, hold steady, or take a dip following the first weekend of college football.
2026 NFL Draft Stocks
Stock Rising
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers may have entered the season outside most top-tier QB conversations, but Week 1 changed that in a hurry. The dual-threat quarterback showcased his athleticism and arm strength throughout the game. Although he started slow — taking multiple sacks early, possibly from holding the ball too long — he eventually found his groove. The second half was all Sellers, leading the Gamecocks to a convincing win. He extended plays, made accurate throws on the move, and commanded the offense with confidence. One particular third-and-long play in the fourth quarter, where he powered through defenders like a young Cam Newton, went viral and encapsulated his raw talent. If he maintains this trajectory, he could work his way into the first-round conversation.
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Yes, the opponent was Northern Arizona, so take the performance with some context. That said, Leavitt looked more polished and dangerous than ever in his second year running Kenny Dillingham’s offense. He started all of last season and led Arizona State to a surprise Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff, after being picked to finish last.
Now a proven starter, Leavitt continues to build on his strong foundation. He completed 21-of-31 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns while adding 73 yards and two more scores on the ground. His chemistry with top target Jordan Tyson was clear, and his ability to run the ball adds another dimension. It’s just one game, but his stock is definitely trending upward.
John Mateer, Oklahoma
Of all the quarterbacks who impressed in Week 1, Mateer may have been the most surprising. The Oklahoma transfer led the Sooners to a dominant 35–3 win over Illinois State. While it wasn’t the most elite opponent, Oklahoma will face plenty of top-tier competition as the season progresses. Mateer completed 30-of-37 passes for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also added a rushing score. His gritty, gunslinger style — reminiscent of former Sooner Baker Mayfield — will likely earn him more attention as the season goes on. If he keeps this up, his name will start flying up draft boards.
Stock Steady
Drew Allar, Penn State
Allar entered the season as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2026 class, and he did nothing to harm that status in Week 1. He was efficient, poised, and in control throughout a comfortable win over Nevada. While he didn’t have a breakout performance, he didn’t need to — Penn State was never in danger. Allar will have marquee opportunities against teams like Ohio State and Oregon to prove whether he’s worthy of a top-5 selection. For now, his steady hand and physical tools continue to keep his stock right where it is.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Nussmeier had a sharp, confident start to the season. He showed excellent command of the offense, delivered the ball with a quick release, and made good decisions under pressure. While not as flashy as some of the other names, he may have the highest floor in this class. He showed maturity at the line of scrimmage, making pre-snap reads and audibles better than any other quarterback in this group. Against a talented Clemson defense, Nussmeier led LSU to their first Week 1 win in five years — further proof of his reliability. If he keeps building on this, he’ll solidify himself as one of the safest picks in the draft.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
After transferring from Cal to Indiana, Mendoza entered the year with some quiet buzz — but now he’s on the radar. His Week 1 performance showcased his accuracy, leadership, and poise in the pocket. The stats weren’t flashy, but the game felt like a tune-up as the offense worked to build chemistry. Still, scouts saw what they needed: Mendoza has the tools — size, arm strength, and high football IQ — to develop into a first-round prospect. With tougher matchups ahead, he’ll have chances to rise even further.
Stock Down
Arch Manning, Texas
The spotlight is always intense for a Manning, and Arch’s highly anticipated debut didn’t go as planned. Facing a relentless Ohio State defense, Manning struggled with his timing, reads, and ball placement. He’ll get better — that much seems likely — and he still flashed some of the natural ability that made him such a coveted recruit. Still, Week 1 raised questions, and he’ll need a strong response moving forward to stay in the top-tier draft conversation. It’s also not a lock that he declares for the 2026 draft, but until he says otherwise, he’ll remain in the conversation.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Klubnik had a solid, if uninspiring, debut. He ran the offense effectively, avoided major mistakes, and showed glimpses of the athleticism that made him a top recruit. However, there’s still a lingering sense that he hasn’t fully reached his potential. This marks the second straight year he’s underwhelmed in a Week 1 matchup against an SEC opponent. While he’s still in the mix as a day-one or early day-two pick, he needs to prove that he can perform at a high level against elite defenses — not just pad stats against weaker ACC competition. The talent is there, but his stock will only rise if the production starts matching the pedigree.
Final Thoughts
Week 1 served as an early filter for NFL scouts evaluating a deep and diverse quarterback class. While usual suspects like Allar and Nussmeier held firm, emerging names like Sellers, Leavitt, and Mateer made a serious statement. Whether they can continue to rise will be determined in the weeks ahead, but the early signs are promising.
Meanwhile, high-profile quarterbacks like Arch Manning were reminded how quickly narratives can shift. With quarterback-needy teams like the Jets keeping a close eye on this class, every week matters.
We’re only one game in and overreactions are inevitable, but it’s the long arc of the season that will ultimately define these quarterbacks’ futures. How they grow, adjust, and perform under pressure will be what separates potential from reality.
Main Image: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
