The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing affair, with quarterbacks dominating the conversation and a host of talented prospects entering the college football scene. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has identified the top five quarterbacks he believes will have the brightest futures heading into the 2026 season, and it's a diverse group of signal-callers that includes both proven veterans and rising stars. Here's a breakdown of these prospects and why they're generating buzz.
Dante Moore: The Rising Star
Dante Moore, a quarterback for Oregon, is already a favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2027 NFL Draft. After declining to enter last year's draft, Moore returned to Oregon with the goal of further strengthening his résumé. His performance in the 2025 season was impressive, as he completed nearly 72% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. Another productive season could solidify his position at the top of draft boards.
Arch Manning: Handling Lofty Expectations
Arch Manning, a quarterback for Texas, has been managing lofty expectations since his arrival on the national stage. In the 2025 season, he threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 399 rushing yards and 10 scores. Texas believes that Manning can lead the Longhorns on another championship run in 2026, and if he succeeds, his NFL stock will continue to rise.
CJ Carr: Major Leap with Notre Dame
CJ Carr, a quarterback for Notre Dame, made a significant impact during his first season as the Fighting Irish's starter. He completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to 10 consecutive victories to finish the season. Carr's performance has generated significant buzz throughout the offseason, and he is viewed as one of the nation's top returning quarterbacks. Another strong campaign could propel him even higher on NFL draft boards.
Trinidad Chambliss: Athletic Dual-Threat
Trinidad Chambliss, a quarterback for Ole Miss, returns to Oxford after legal victories allowed him another year of eligibility. He stepped into the starting role midway through the 2025 season and helped lead Ole Miss to its first College Football Playoff appearance. Chambliss is an athletic dual-threat quarterback capable of creating plays with both his arm and his legs. The Rebels are optimistic that another year of SEC experience will unlock even more of his potential.
Drew Mestemaker: Rising Star at Oklahoma State
Few quarterbacks had a bigger rise than Drew Mestemaker last season. After leading the FBS with 4,379 passing yards and tying for the national lead with 34 touchdown passes at North Texas, he followed head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. Now, he has the opportunity to prove that his production translates against Big 12 competition. If he succeeds, his draft stock could soar.
Honorable Mentions
Several other quarterbacks are also generating buzz and could be top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. These include John Mateer from Oklahoma, Darian Mensah from Miami, Sam Leavitt from LSU, LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina, Jayden Maiava from USC, Julian Sayin from Ohio State, CJ Bailey from NC State, Josh Hoover from Indiana, Nico Iamaleava from UCLA, Drake Lindsey from Minnesota, and Kevin Jennings from SMU. These players have shown promise and could be top picks in the draft, depending on their performance in the 2026 season.
In conclusion, the 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting affair, with a diverse group of quarterbacks generating buzz. These prospects have the potential to become the next big stars in the NFL, and their performances in the 2026 season will be crucial in determining their draft positions. As an expert, I find it fascinating to see the rise of these young quarterbacks and their potential impact on the league. It's a testament to the talent and depth of the college football system, and I'm eager to see how these players develop over the next year.
