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Todd McShay Names No. 1 Quarterback For 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 8:05 AM ET

Since the 2025 college football season is officially underway, Todd McShay has unveiled his quarterback rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft.

McShay believes next year's quarterback class is loaded with Tier 1 talent. Obviously, there's a ton of hype surrounding Arch Manning, albeit no one knows if he'll even declare for the 2026 draft. The nephew of Eli and Peyton hasn't even started a full season of college football yet.

Another quarterback who is flying up draft boards is LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina. He looked sharp in 2024, completing 65.6% of his passes for 2,534 yards for 18 yards and seven interceptions. The dual-threat weapon also had 674 yards and seven scores.

Despite Manning and Sellers' potential, McShay has Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik ranked ahead of the pack.

“Klubnik I’ve got at No. 1 because I think he’s got size, he’s got mobility, he’s got arm strength, he’s got the tools and I saw a lot of refinement from him last year,” McShay said, via On3. “What a jump from 2023 to 2024. I love his ability to drive the deep out with the verticals and the arm strength. He extends a lot of play but he does it with poise. He’s got instincts, agility and enough strength to ward off defenders. He was only sacked 23 times in 14 games last year.”

Is Klubnik truly QB1 material?

Klubnik has really elevated his game over the past two years. In 2023, he had 2,844 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games.

In 14 games last season, Klubnik completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,639 yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had 463 yards and seven scores on 119 carries.

If Klubnik builds off his 2024 campaign, NFL scouts will absolutely have him high on their radar.

Klubnik will be tested Week 1.

Football fans will get a close look at Klubnik on Saturday when Clemson squares off against LSU in what could be a College Football Playoff preview. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

A strong performance against LSU's defense would really put Klubnik in prime position to be a top-10 pick next year.

Of course, there's still plenty of time to evaluate the 2026 draft class. McShay's opinion could change a few times before the first round begins in late April.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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