Most draft analysts did not need to see Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza shine at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. His work as a national champion and Heisman Trophy winner proved to scouts everything they needed to see.

For the rest of the 2026 quarterback class, the questions remain plentiful. Quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets diligently observed how good some of those signal-callers looked in Indianapolis on Saturday.

The good news? New York should be thrilled with some of the performances.

The bad? There remains a clear No. 1 player at the position, with a drop-off to the second tier.

In any event, the New York Jets quarterback prospect rankings — pre-combine edition — have changed a bit, thanks in large part to Saturday’s festivities in Indianapolis, Ind.

Top 5

1. Fernando Mendoza – Indiana

There is nothing Mendoza can do in the pre-draft process to drop in this ranking. In the same breath, there’s nothing his other quarterback compatriots can prove to jump him in the rankings.

Based on conversations in Indianapolis, the Las Vegas Raiders have shut down any potential thought of a trade from the top overall pick. It shows that Vegas has made its decision.

It also suggests that every quarterback not named Mendoza is competing for second place going forward.

2. Ty Simpson – Alabama

The Alabama prospect did everything he needed to do Saturday to prove he’s not just the second-best quarterback in this class, but he’s worthy of being a first-round selection in April.

His form is solid, and his footwork is one of the best of any quarterback in this class. His arm talent also showed out — a key part of his development as a project for offenses with proven veterans in front of him.

Simpson will be a first-round quarterback; Saturday’s throwing session proved that.

3. Garrett Nussmeier – LSU

Nussmeier has the kind of pedigree NFL teams love, given that his father is the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. That pedigree helped in a big way on Saturday.

Nussmeier was accurate throughout the day and showed plenty of toughness on his intermediate throws. After a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, the LSU product built off of that with a strong performance in Indy.

The performance solidifies his candidacy as a Day 2 player.

4. Drew Allar – Penn State

Allar had a big day. No question about it. He wasn’t able to go through all the tests in Indy, but the combine is always a showcase for the players with big arms and quality athleticism.

The Penn State product has both.

Allar was a clear winner from the combine on Saturday despite dealing with several drops on perfectly thrown balls downfield. If his Pro Day is anything similar, Allar will see his name go from a Day 3 prospect to someone who may hear his name called far earlier than expected.

5. Cade Klubnik – Clemson

A riser at the combine Saturday was Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. He seems a fit as an early Day 3 player going into the draft, but his arm has plenty of zip, and he showed the kind of accuracy Clemson had been accustomed to.

As a multi-year starter in college, Klubnik has the kind of experience that teams in the NFL will look on positively.

There are quarterbacks who have better intangibles than him, but Klubnik helped improve his stock in Indianapolis.