As the 2025 NFL draft is behind us, all eyes are on the newest QBs in the NFL, but it is never too early to be looking forward, especially towards next year's draft quarterbacks. With a bunch of great prospects looking to up their game this year, there are two who are currently leading the pack, but which one will be number one come next year?
The two QBs in question are Texas’ Arch Manning, and Penn State’s Drew Allar. We see every year one or two QBs who are already leading the class, but for the 2026 class, the fight for the number one QB ranking is closer than ever. But with both offering their own strengths and weaknesses, along with both having very different experiences, here is why the debate is too close to call.
Starting with Manning who is heavily tipped already to be the best quarterback in the upcoming class, his time as a starter at Texas has been limited due to new Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers taking the number one spot, but with the 2025/26 season fast approaching, Manning will have his opportunity to prove why he is the best. But with a few games and starts under his belt already for Texas, what exactly makes Manning the best?
Being only 20 years old, his knowledge, pocket presence, and ability to read tricky defenses are exceptional, his poise under pressure, his vision, and smoothness in both an open, and tight pocket makes him a reliable and attractive QB already. Unlike his uncles, his athleticism and speed make him yet again a very exciting prospect, with only hopes of improving. His throwing ability, gigantic arm strength, and work ethic again at his age is amazing for a QB with as little college experience as him, but most of all his vision and ability with the ball in his hands make him special. The ability to play pinpoint passes, and manage trajectories and power is probably the toughest aspects of being a QB in the NFL, but at only 20 years old, and not even a starter yet, his abilities are already creeping up to the NFL level.
Unlike the QBs in this year's draft, Manning has the full package. Speed, amazing passing range and accuracy across all distances, and a great leadership aspect to his game, something NFL gm’s will be salivating at with only more improvement to come to his game. But although his game has already progressed at a rapid speed already, he like many others do still have their own weaknesses. One of the biggest weaknesses currently in Manning’s game is his timing. Despite having elite range and accuracy, his timing is an issue, but an issue he can improve on. He has often shown that he can make plays too early, and jumps on the chance to throw to the ball too quickly, trusting his arm too much before the play if fully played out. But with his new starter role in Texas, his timing and consistency will only get better.
But one major thing Manning is lacking, and could be an issue had he declared for the 2026 draft is his experience. Unlike his peer from Penn State Drew Allar, Manning would only have about a year and a half of experience, Allar having three and a half, a massive plus on his end. Allar has proved time and time again that perfecting his game at the college level will only better himself as a player, and taking his time rather than rushing has gotten him to where he wants to be.
At 6 '5, 248 lbs, Allar has the perfect frame for an NFL quarterback, and has an amazing physical ability to tank tackles, and has proven he is effectively impossible to take down. His elite arm strengths and poise under pressure makes him the perfect package for an NFL QB, and his timing and touch in high pressure situations in the red zone is as good as they come. One aspect of Allar’s game which is often overlooked is his swift movement, with small but effective movements in the pocket, his knowledge of open gaps and space is exceptional.
But the main area of Allar’s game is his decision making, and especially his ability to keep almost dead plays alive. During his time at Penn State he has found himself in a number of situations where he has willingly taken contact to avoid silly passes, and made the most of his space behind the line of scrimmage to extend plays. Under pressure or not, Allar uses traditional QB values to make big passing plays, and despite having a decent ability to spread the play on the rush, he utilises all aspects of his game to make any passing play an option.
But with a big list of strengths, like we have seen over the last year or so, it is his scrambling abilities which let him down. Aside from running a slow 4.90 40 time, Allar tends to move away from any potential scrambles, and doesn't tend to use his legs enough, dragging plays, and taking too much time for an open receiver. There have been a number of occasions this year where his overly patient pocket management has led to bad plays, and using his legs could have stretched the play. Despite being a top QB in all areas, this year will be a massive step for Allar to up his rushing game, and with the rapidly evolving rushing element of the NFL, it is an area he needs to improve quickly.
It is without a doubt that the two QBs will be stars in this year's CFB season, but had they both decide to declare next year, it will be a more than tricky decision for NFL gm’s as both have massive strength to their games, and are both franchise level QBs in the making.
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