2026 NFL Draft Watch: QBs Making Moves in the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff isn’t just about chasing a national title-it’s also a massive spotlight for NFL Draft hopefuls. With scouts locked in and franchises already eyeing their future under center, a few quarterbacks made serious statements this weekend.
Some elevated their stock. Others might need to head back to the drawing board.
Let’s break down who’s rising, who’s slipping, and what it all might mean for the 2026 NFL Draft.
📈 Stock Up: Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson didn’t just play well-he delivered the kind of performance that makes NFL front offices sit up straight in their chairs.
This was a quarterback who’s taken his lumps. He got roughed up in the Iron Bowl and took a beating against Georgia.
But when Alabama fell behind by 17 in the Playoff, Simpson didn’t flinch. He went to work.
What stood out wasn’t just the stat line-though 18-of-29 for 232 yards and two touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at-it was the poise, the command, and the ability to lead a comeback on the biggest stage of his college career. The mental toughness he showed in that moment? That’s what separates the good from the great.
Simpson entered the season with first-round buzz, and he’s doing everything to validate that projection. As January approaches, he’ll have a big decision to make. But right now, his stock is red hot.
- Playoff Stats: 18-of-29 (62.1%), 232 yards (8.0 YPA), 2 TD
- MDDB Rank: No. 9 overall, QB3
📈 Stock Up: John Mateer, Oklahoma
If you’re an Alabama fan, John Mateer’s name might haunt your dreams for a while.
Despite dealing with a hand injury that clearly impacted his play down the stretch, Mateer showed flashes of the quarterback he was before surgery-when he was regularly torching defenses for over 300 yards per game. And against Alabama, he looked like that guy again.
Mateer threw for 307 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and ran for another. He had the Sooners in control early, putting Alabama on their heels. A costly turnover and Simpson’s heroics ultimately flipped the game, but Mateer made his case.
He’s currently ranked QB7 on the MDDB board, and while most signs point to him returning to school, this performance could make the decision a little more complicated.
- Playoff Stats: 26-of-41 (63.4%), 307 yards (7.5 YPA), 2 TD, 1 INT, 1 Rush TD
- MDDB Rank: No. 118 overall, QB7
📉 Stock Down: Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
Carson Beck didn’t play poorly-but in a playoff setting, sometimes "not bad" just isn’t good enough.
Beck was efficient, completing 70% of his passes, but the offense leaned heavily on the ground game. His 103 passing yards on 20 attempts (just 5.2 yards per throw) didn’t move the needle, and in a draft class where separation matters, this performance may have nudged him in the wrong direction.
He avoided turnovers and managed the game well, but if Beck wants to climb draft boards, he’ll need to show he can take over a game-not just ride shotgun.
- Playoff Stats: 14-of-20 (70%), 103 yards (5.2 YPA), 1 TD
- MDDB Rank: No. 109 overall, QB6
📈 Stock Up: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss might not be heading to the NFL just yet-but if he keeps playing like this, he’ll be a name to watch in 2027.
Chambliss stepped into the spotlight and made sure Ole Miss didn’t miss a beat, even without Lane Kiffin on the sidelines. He carved up Tulane with surgical precision, completing nearly 80% of his passes and accounting for three total touchdowns.
Despite starting the year as a backup, Chambliss now has more passing yards than Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. That’s not just impressive-it’s eye-opening.
He’s still a long shot to declare, but this performance was a loud reminder that he belongs in the national conversation.
- Playoff Stats: 23-of-29 (79.3%), 282 yards (9.7 YPA), 1 TD, 2 Rush TD
- MDDB Rank: No. 258 overall, QB13
📈 Stock Up: Dante Moore, Oregon
Dante Moore didn’t just show up-he showed out.
In a class that’s seen some of its top names stumble or stay in school, Moore is looking more and more like a lock for the top 10. And after what he did Saturday night, it’s hard to argue.
Moore torched the Dukes' defense in the first half alone, throwing three touchdowns and running for another. He was calm, explosive, and totally in control-exactly what you want to see from a potential franchise quarterback.
There’s still time before decisions are finalized, but Moore’s performance was a clear message to NFL teams: He’s ready.
- Playoff Stats: Not fully listed, but included 3 Pass TDs, 1 Rush TD in first half
- MDDB Rank: Not specified, but trending as a top-10 pick
Final Thoughts
The College Football Playoff is the ultimate proving ground, and this weekend delivered plenty of clarity-and a few surprises-for NFL evaluators.
Ty Simpson looks every bit the first-rounder we projected months ago. John Mateer may have played himself back into the draft conversation.
Dante Moore? He’s knocking on the door of the top five.
Meanwhile, Carson Beck and others may need another game-or another year-to boost their stock.
One thing’s for sure: the 2026 quarterback class is still taking shape, and the playoff stage is where reputations are made-or remade.