Arch Manning's ridiculous play in relief of Quinn Ewers last week got us thinking: Is he the best quarterback prospect in college football?
The answer is yes -- which we can't say is surprising considering he ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023, per 247Sports.
Here's how we see the entire pool of college quarterbacking talent, regardless of draft eligibility. Some players on this list have the ability to turn around an entire franchise if they fulfill their potential. The NFL seeks elite physical traits, but some quarterbacks will thrive because of their ability to diagnose and think quickly. The generational players can do both.
Editor's Note: Draft year corresponds with the first draft the player is eligible to enter. It does not mean we think the player will be in that draft pool -- an example would be Drew Allar, who is eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft but could be better served returning for another season in Happy Valley.
1. Arch Manning (Texas)
Draft year: 2026
Arch Manning has more talent and ability than any of the Manning family members who played quarterback. His style is more similar to Archie for those who remember, but he has more structure as a pocket passer. Manning put on a dazzling display in Week 3 when he took over for an injured Quinn Ewers, throwing four touchdown passes and running for a 67-yard score.
It's hard to imagine someone surpassing the expectations and pressure placed on Manning, but he has handled it with maturity and poise. There's no doubt he'll be a top NFL draft pick and a future superstar.
I'm fascinated to see whether he declares for the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft. The Mannings are a patient operation (Peyton and Eli all played four seasons), Arch is going to enjoy being the toast of a town like Austin for however long he's in school, he's set to make millions in NIL and the family will know better than anybody that it benefits college QBs to gobble up as many starte as possible before they go pro.
2. Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)
Draft year: 2026
Iamaleava has a unique skill set and physical traits. At 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, he moves with the quickness and speed of an elite wide receiver. Iamaleava has a natural throwing motion and can launch deep passes like his predecessor, Joe Milton. If he continues to refine his coverage knowledge and ability in the middle of the field, he'll be unstoppable. Working with QB guru Josh Heupel, who has mentored numerous NFL draft picks, will only help him grow.
3. Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)
Draft year: 2027
Raiola has delivered a masterful performance through the first three weeks of college football as a true freshman for Nebraska. He has the moxie and poise you look for at the position, handling the pressure of being Nebraska's football savior with confidence and leadership. Raiola's arm talent is comparable to Patrick Mahomes, with the ability to throw off-balance downfield. He's a no-brainer first-round NFL draft pick.
4. Cam Ward (Miami)
Draft year: 2025
We haven't seen many backyard-style quarterbacks succeed the way Cam Ward has, perhaps other than Mahomes. He can throw a 50-yard rope from his hip and gets the ball out faster than anyone. Ward is unflappable and plays with a calm confidence. Though his occasional interceptions can be alarming, he always rebounds with an eye-popping throw. Many mock drafts have him projected as the top overall pick.
5. Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Draft year: 2025
Ewers has the gunslinger mentality of Brett Favre and is considered one of the best quarterbacks in college football when healthy. However, he's been injured the past three seasons, which is a concern moving forward, especially in the NFL. Despite this, Ewers can throw deep passes without stepping into them, and he's improved his ball security. His composure remains the same in tight situations or when leading by 30 points.
6. Carson Beck (Georgia)
Draft year: 2025
Beck is solid in all areas—size, arm talent, accuracy—but lacks a truly elite trait. He lets the game come to him and avoids risky throws, but he doesn't display much mobility or the ability to make high-level throws off platform. Beck's draft stock could rise if he leads Georgia to a national championship, but he needs to show better evasiveness under pressure. He could thrive in the right NFL system but isn't likely to turn around a struggling franchise.
7. DJ Lagway (Florida)
Draft year: 2027
Lagway, who started for the Gators in Week 2, has incredible talent and physical gifts. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, he has the speed and power of an NFL running back. His arm is explosive, capable of pushing the ball downfield and zipping passes into tight windows. As a true freshman, Lagway has some technical aspects to refine, but his natural ability can compensate. He has the potential to take college football by storm.
8. Drew Allar (Penn State)
Draft year: 2025
Allar has had NFL size since high school. At 6-foot-5, 238 pounds, his arm talent matches his frame. He has a cannon for downfield throws and shows surprising touch and mobility for his size. With offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's guidance, Allar looks poised for a bright NFL future. If he can speed up his release and footwork, he'll be even more of a "stock up" player for scouts.
9. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Draft year: 2025
Sanders may not have the physical gifts of others, but he excels in game intelligence, situational awareness, and anticipation. While his arm isn't the quickest, Sanders demonstrates great toughness and pocket integrity. His turnover-worthy plays are among the lowest in the country, according to PFF, despite a poor offensive line. If Sanders maintains his consistency and wins more games, he'll be a high draft pick.
10. Aidan Chiles (Michigan State)
Draft year: 2026
Chiles is known for his explosive arm, one of the liveliest in college football, despite being only 18. He's made some poor decisions in his first year as Michigan State's starter, but he's also delivered remarkable throws. At 6-foot-4, Chiles has no limitations on the field. He's one of the highest-ranked transfer portal quarterbacks and has recorded some of the highest air yards on throws this season.
11. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
Draft year: 2025
Milroe's NFL future is a hot topic. He could thrive in a system like the Ravens' but not one like the 49ers'. His fit will depend heavily on the offensive system.
12. Will Howard (Ohio State)
Draft year: 2025
Howard, at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, has size and mobility. He can mix touch and velocity but needs to improve his completion rate to climb draft boards.
13. Miller Moss (USC)
Draft year: 2025
Like Sanders, Moss isn't the most gifted passer, but he's a winner who plays within himself. His strength lies in tight-window anticipation and exploiting coverage weaknesses.
14. Jayden Maiava (USC)
Draft year: 2025
Maiava has size and evasive ability, allowing him to extend plays and make game-changing throws. He excelled as a redshirt freshman at UNLV -- USC landing Maiava through the portal was essentially an insurance policy against any Miller Moss struggles, which the Trojans won't need to cash. Maiava has a bright future ahead and though he's draft-eligible in 2025, he's obviously not going to enter that draft. He's much more likely to be USC's starter in 2025, depending on if Moss goes pro.
15. Dante Moore (Oregon)
Draft year: 2026
Moore, a former five-star recruit, has elite arm talent and ball placement. A year of development at Oregon could set him up for fireworks when he takes over as starter.
16. Maalik Murphy (Duke)
Draft year: 2025
Murphy is a big quarterback with downfield arm strength like Allar. His accuracy needs work, but his upside is significant.
17. Eli Holstein (Pittsburgh)
Draft year: 2026
Holstein has shown clutch ability this season and can throw with power outside the numbers. There's a reason Nick Saban wanted him at Alabama.
18. Avery Johnson (Kansas State)
Draft year: 2026
Johnson needs to become more comfortable in the pocket, but his athleticism is undeniable.
19. Taylen Green (Arkansas)
Draft year: 2025
Green, at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, has drawn comparisons to Vince Young. He's raw as a passer but has the arm and running ability to be a special player under Bobby Petrino.
20. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
Draft year: 2026
Sellers is built like a defensive end at 6-foot-3, 242 pounds, and capable of ripping off long touchdown runs against SEC competition. His passing game has room to grow.
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