The NFL Draft season is heating up as we approach the start of the Scouting Combine on February 26. Often dubbed the "underwear Olympics," the Combine is a crucial opportunity for teams to get a firsthand look at the incoming prospects.
While the physical performances are the main attraction, the interactions and evaluations that take place are just as vital. Quarterbacks, in particular, will be in the spotlight on February 28.
Here’s a closer look at the quarterbacks invited to the Combine, along with those who are eligible for the draft but didn’t receive an invite. This includes their school, height, weight, and projected draft position.
Keep in mind, these measurements are preliminary and will be officially confirmed at the Combine. The event will also provide key insights into 40-yard dash times, bench press results, and other drills.
Among the invitees, Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are the standout names, with Mendoza expected to be the top pick. Simpson, while highly regarded, isn’t a lock for the first round just yet.
2026 Scouting Combine Quarterback Invitees:
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana: 6'5", 225 lbs, Projected No. 1
- Ty Simpson, Alabama: 6'2", 208 lbs, Projected Rd 1
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: 6'1", 205 lbs, Projected Rd 3-4
- Carson Beck, Miami: 6'4", 220 lbs, Projected Rd 3-5
- Drew Allar, Penn State: 6'5", 235 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson: 6'2", 210 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Luke Altmyer, Illinois: 6'2", 215 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Jalon Daniels, Kansas: 6'0", 220 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Joey Aguilar, Tennessee: 6'3", 225 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Behren Morton, Texas Tech: 6'2", 210 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Joe Fagnano, UConn: 6'4", 225 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Cole Payton, NDSU: 6'3", 233 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Haynes King, GT: 6'3", 215 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Sawyer Robertson, Baylor: 6'4", 235 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Taylen Green, Arkansas: 6'6", 220 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: 5'11", 207 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
For those quarterbacks who weren’t invited to the Combine, many still hold potential for the draft. Factors like team performance or level of competition have impacted their invitations, but they remain in the mix.
Draft Eligible Quarterbacks Not Invited to the Combine:
- Miller Moss, Louisville: 6'2", 210 lbs, Projected Rd 4-6
- Tommy Castellanos, Florida State: 5'11", 200 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Jake Retzlaff, Tulane: 6'1", 205 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Brayson James, Boston College: 6'3", 218 lbs, Projected Rd 5-7
- Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech: 6'2", 235 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers: 6'3", 212 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Mark Gronowski, Iowa: 6'2", 235 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Marverick McIvor, Western Kentucky: 6'2", 214 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Blake Shapen, Mississippi State: 6'1", 210 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Tyler Van Dyke, SMU: 6'4", 230 lbs, Projected Rd 6-UFA
- Kaidon Salter, Colorado: 6'1", 190 lbs, UFA
- Zach Calzada, Kentucky: 6'4", 230 lbs, UFA
- Preston Stone, Northwestern: 6'1", 215 lbs, UFA
- Matthew Sluka, JMU: 6'2", 211 lbs, UFA
This quarterback class hasn’t quite lived up to the hype from a year ago, partly due to players like Arch Manning and Dante Moore staying in school. Injuries and underperformance have also shifted expectations.
All eyes will be on the Combine, especially for teams outside of the Raiders, who hold the top pick and are likely set on Mendoza. His decision to skip throwing at the Combine, opting for Indiana’s Pro Day, adds an interesting wrinkle to his draft journey.