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Arch Manning Headlines Early QB Watch List for 2027 NFL Draft

By Luke Easterling Athlon Sports

We've heard this a million times, and we're gonna hear it plenty more throughout this football offseason.

"Next year's quarterback class is gonna be INCREDIBLE!"

History tells us it probably won't be, and that despite the big names and star-studded depth on paper, the 2027 NFL Draft class at quarterback will fail to live up to the ridiculous preseason expectations.

If you're a glass-half-full kind of fan, though, this could always be the one that delivers on the hype. Texas' Arch Manning is obviously the household name in the group, but there's a long list of promising passers who have shown flashes of first-round talent, and could play themselves into top-10 consideration with strong performances throughout the 2026 college football season.

Here's an early look at some of the top quarterback prospects eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft:

Arch Manning, Texas

He was eligible to make the early jump in 2026, but Manning is back for another year in Austin, and it should be to his benefit. Sure, he could have been the No. 1 overall pick this year, so it's not about improving his draft stock, but Manning's on-field play was streaky and inconsistent during his first year as the Longhorns' full-time starter.

Another year of experience will give Manning the opportunity to polish his impressive physical traits and prove he can consistently carve up high-level opposing defenses with precision, accuracy, and sound decision-making. If that development continues an upward trend, Manning will be the easy pick to go No. 1 overall in 2027.

Dante Moore, Oregon

Moore was the likely No. 2 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, but opted to handle some unfinished business with his fellow Ducks after their premature exit from the College Football Playoff. He already had clean film that displayed all the physical and mental traits NFL teams are looking for in potential franchise passers, and against top competition:

Moore's decision to return for another year, despite the fact that he was a pro-ready prospect with poise, precision and experience, shows the kind of competitiveness and intangibles NFL teams will love. Even though Manning might feel like the early favorite to be next year's top pick, Moore's body of work has been more impressive up to this point, and it wouldn't be surprising if he builds on that success and proves himself worthy of that spot.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State

In his first season as the starter in Columbus, Sayin delivered an impressive campaign with big numbers and flashes of NFL potential. While undersized (6-1, 208 pounds), Sayin displayed high-level accuracy, anticipation, and decision-making ability for the Buckeyes last season, leading them to a 12-2 record.

There will be concerns about his arm talent relative to the other top passers in this class, as well as the idea that he benefits from a star-studded receiving corps. But Sayin's ability to effectively and efficiently distribute the ball to his playmakers while avoiding turnovers and putting his team in position to win games will carry plenty of weight with NFL evaluators.

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

If you're looking for the prospect with the most upside in this class, it's Sellers. His combination of size, arm talent and athleticism is the stuff NFL teams dream about at the position, and the tape we've seen up to this point is full of flashes that show a sky-high ceiling as a dynamic playmaker at the next level:

The key for Sellers is finding some consistency, as his accuracy and decision-making has been all over the place. It's fair to point to a lackluster supporting cast, but at some point, scouts will want to see him elevate his teammates instead of being limited by what's around him. If he can play to his potential on a consistent basis this season, against top competition and without some of the surrounding resources other passers in this class have at their disposal, Sellers absolutely has the talent to be in the No. 1 overall pick conversation.

CJ Carr, Notre Dame

Another redshirt sophomore with tons of upside, Carr was a revelation for the Fighting Irish in his first season as the starter. The 6-3, 210-pounder put together an impressive highlight reel that showed the ability to make NFL-level throws from the pocket, as well as the creativity and instincts to still make plays downfield when the pocket breaks down:

Mingled with those ridiculous highlights were some freshman moments, too, making decisions and serving up takeaways that should serve as learning experiences for his second campaign in the starting role. If he continues to build on the success he had in 2025, while eliminating those head-scratching throws/decisions, Carr could be faced with a tough decision in terms of leaving for the NFL with two years of eligibility remaining.

Best of the Rest

Trinidad Chambliss went through the courts to secure another year of eligibility at Ole Miss. (Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger) © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trinidad Chambliss went through the courts to secure another year of eligibility at Ole Miss. (Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger) © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)

Jayden Maiava, USC

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 7:01 AM.

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