Rising Stars and Key Questions in the 2026 NFL Draft

As we move through Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, the focus is already shifting towards the 2026 NFL Draft. With several top-15 teams experiencing losses, the performance of key players is under the microscope. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable prospects and the questions surrounding them.

John Mateer: A Rising Star

One of the standout players from Week 2 was Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. Transferring from Washington State, Mateer showcased his strong arm and mobility, leading the Sooners to a victory over Michigan. With 74 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 270 passing yards, Mateer has proven his ability to perform under pressure. NFL scouts are now considering him a potential top-50 pick, with a Round 1 grade not out of the question if he continues this trajectory.

Arch Manning: Early Struggles

Arch Manning, the highly anticipated quarterback from Texas, has had a mixed start to the season. After a disappointing Week 1 against Ohio State, Manning showed improvement in Week 2 against San Jose State. However, his mechanics remain a concern, and it’s clear that he needs more time to develop before making the jump to the NFL.

LaNorris Sellers: A Need for Consistency

LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina is another quarterback under scrutiny. Despite his immense talent, Sellers has struggled with accuracy and decision-making. Completing only 60.5% of his passes, he needs to improve his on-target throws and rhythm to solidify his position as a top prospect.

Cade Klubnik: Facing Pressure

Cade Klubnik from Clemson has also faced challenges this season. While he showed promise in 2024, his performance against LSU and Troy has raised concerns about his ability to handle pressure. Scouts are divided on his potential, with some questioning whether he has the dominant trait needed to lead this quarterback class.

Mansoor Delane: A Defensive Standout

On the defensive side, Mansoor Delane of LSU has been a revelation. Transferring from Virginia Tech, Delane has shown exceptional ball skills and coverage ability. With two pass breakups and an interception in the first two weeks, he is quickly rising up draft boards and could be a top-50 pick.

Fernando Mendoza: A Quarterback to Watch

Fernando Mendoza of Indiana is another name to keep an eye on. After transferring from Cal, Mendoza has shown great command of the offense and impressive arm talent. While he hasn’t faced top-tier competition yet, his performance suggests he could be a serious contender in the QB1 race.

Dante Moore: A Potential First-Rounder

Oregon’s Dante Moore has also impressed early in the season. After a challenging first year at UCLA, Moore has taken full advantage of the Will Stein offense at Oregon. With high accuracy and no interceptions in the first two games, Moore is playing himself into first-round consideration.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the focus will remain on these and other prospects. With tougher matchups on the horizon, including a trip to Penn State for Moore, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the 2026 NFL Draft landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from our NFL draft experts.