The 2026 QB class may feature names at the top. But it’s only an inch deep. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released an updated version of his Top 50 college prospects as the 2025 season begins its stretch run. Only three quarterbacks cracked Brugler’s list.
1. Ty Simpson/Alabama (No. 2 overall)
2. Fernando Mendoza/Indiana (No. 7 overall)
3. Dante Moore/Oregon (No. 12 overall)
In fact, defense was well-represented at the top of the list. Three of the top five, half of the top ten, were on the defensive side of the ball. Simpson is the top offensive player following a quick rise at Alabama. A backup who chose to stay with the Crimson Tide instead of transferring, Simpson has thrown for an SEC-leading 21 touchdowns with just one interception this season while leading the Crimson Tide to an 8-1 record.
Mendoza has been compared to this year’s Joe Burrow. Transferring from Cal, Mendoza has captured headlines for Indiana’s stellar season, which has them ranked No. 2 in the country —the highest ranking in Hoosier history. Mendoza avoided upset on Saturday, leading an electric game-winning drive against Penn State. Wide receiver Omar Cooper had the catch of the year for the score, but Mendoza threw downfield dimes to get the offense in scoring range.
A game Steelers’ scouts were on hand to see.
Like the others, Moore wasn’t high on the college football radar this season. But he’s played well for the Ducks, throwing 19 touchdowns to five interceptions. Still, some wonder if his game will translate, and he’s in a tier below the others.
Preseason hopefuls like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Miami (FL)’s Carson Beck, and Penn State’s Drew Allar have fallen by the wayside. Nussmeier has been mistake-prone, Beck’s game runs hot and cold, and Allar suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Brugler’s list assumes Simpson, Mendoza, and Moore declare. All three are underclassmen. But given their situations, they’re likely to throw their hat into the 2026 ring, assuming their seasons end well.
Pittsburgh will face plenty of competition in the quarterback market come the draft. Other teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are armed with multiple first-rounders and will sit higher in the draft order. More can change, but if Brugler’s order holds, the Steelers will have to either make a seriously aggressive move for a quarterback or hold their cards and wait another season. Instead, the team may have to consider another position. Pittsburgh hasn’t drafted a first-round wide receiver since Santonio Holmes in 2006, but Brugler’s list is heavily populated with receivers in the 15-33 range – five of them in total.
Taking the top spot in Brugler’s rankings is Ohio State LB Arvell Reese, who has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons for his EDGE/off-ball flexibility. He’s joined by teammate Caleb Downs in the top five, the No. 3 overall prospect.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh for just the second time in history. It’ll take place from April 23-25.
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