The Other QB Prospects: They are staying Edition One
Six QBs who could be top picks if they have incredible years, but most likely have another year or two before entering the league
This is the first of two editions discussing QBs who I do not think will be in the draft next summer, but have potential for the future. No, Arch is not in this one; he is in the next one, coming out Sunday. Now onto the article!
How Did I Pick These Players
The following contains six players that I have seen considered for the 2026 NFL draft, but I do not believe will declare at the end of this season without one of those great college seasons that rocket players into top 10 contention from time to time.
What Am I Going Off
It is just the radar chart and highlights for all of these players. All of my full write-ups included every Power 4 snap of the regular season and postseason for those prospects, but since I do not believe these players will be in the draft next year, I am treating this as draft year-1 for most. An important year, but not one where I could spend the time to go into that level of detail for each player. That will change if it looks like they will be a draft pick during the season.
The Prospects
These are listed in alphabetical order. I will have some length of words to say about each prospect, how excited I am to watch them in their upcoming season, and the likelihood I see them entering the 2026 draft as of today. Excitement does not necessarily equal my belief in their ability as an NFL prospect.
Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma → Auburn
Arnold’s highlights included a 10-yard out and a batted pass that ended up in a TD in the first 30 seconds. Not a great sign. Looks to have a decently strong arm. Good size and a decent athlete too, so maybe he can become a Haynes King vs UgA type battering ram, because just like Haynes, throwing is not what he excels at.
Excitement Level: 6.5 / 10 (Auburn football is sickos only territory)
Chance of being in the Draft: 2%
Rocco Becht, Iowa State
Becht started the season with the most “My WR down there somewhere” throw I’ve seen in a while. Not at all afraid to let it rip, but might not have the best decision-making of when to and when not to. Having Jayden Higgens and Jaylin Noel to throw to can make up for the bad decisions a decent amount, but he won’t benefit from that this year. Becht’s sack prevention plus running ability is at a pretty elite level, and if he takes a step, that will be the bedrock of his success.
Excitement Level: 8/ 10
Chance of being in the Draft: 15%
Aidan Chiles, Michigan State
Has every physical tool you could want. Still super young, so you hope to see progression to average when it comes to his throwing statistics, and especially the propensity for turnovers. If that happens, his radar chart would resemble Jacoby Brissett’s senior year.
Excitement Level: 4 / 10
Chance of being in the Draft: 3%
Noah Fifita, Arizona
Fifita is a lot of fun to watch. His combination with Tet McMillan was terrific, and having a player like that to throw to usually skews the accuracy vs. completion percentage differential the other way. Has a bigger arm than you’d expect for someone who is 5’10”, and yeah, that’s the bummer. To be that small, you have to be so on in every other aspect, and he just isn’t. Watch him to transfer to a QB-needy contender at the end of the year.
Excitement Level: 7.5 / 10
Chance of being in the Draft: 0.510%
Eli Holstein, Pitt
That radar chart is the radar chart of a big athlete who has yet to figure out how to play quarterback. Those turnover numbers are VERY concerning, and anything tied to his ability to throw the ball is also. There are some major flashes, especially on deep balls, though, and he will only be a red-shirt sophomore this year, so in two years, I think he could have developed into a very interesting prospect.
Excitement Level: 3 / 10 (Pat Narduzzi does not enjoy offense)
Chance of being in the Draft: 0%
Josh Hoover, TCU
Having seen his Horned Frogs get played off (and in one case, escorted off) the field by my SMU Mustangs, I can attest to his propensity to turn the ball over and weird inability to run. That said, I did not think I would have to give Josh Hoover his flowers here, but that is one impressive radar chart, backed up by some very good highlights. Even accounting for two top three round WRs and Sonny Dykes’ ability to make most QBs put up impressive stats in his system, Hoover still looks like the real deal.
Excitement Level: I cannot in good faith say I am ever excited to watch a TCU player
Chance of being in the Draft: 20%
Look out for part two this Sunday!