Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Three under-the-radar quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft

By Daniel Morrison | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 12:14 PM ET

From the start of this year's NFL Draft process, the first overall pick has been expected to be a coronation of quarterback Fernando Mendoza. There's no doubt that he'll go to the Las Vegas Raiders. The only question is what happens after him in this year's draft.

Mendoza isn't the only quarterback going to be selected, and a lot of ink has been spilt on who will go second, or more specifically, when Ty Simpson will be taken.

Neither Mendoza nor Simpson has been under-discussed this offseason. There are, however, several quarterbacks who have been largely overlooked. That includes the following three players who are looking to start their NFL careers:

1. Taylen Green, Arkansas

The Arkansas Razorbacks didn't have much success the last two seasons while Green was their starting quarterback. That probably wasn't because of Green, though, who has put up some excellent numbers in his career. He threw for 9,662 yards, 59 touchdowns and 35 interceptions during his time with Boise State and Arkansas. He also rushed for 2,405 and 35 touchdowns.

Green is an excellent athlete and an experienced quarterback. Those are traits that should help him to stick in the NFL. If he finds the right landing spot, Green might even have a long career ahead of him.

2. Cole Payton, North Dakota State

North Dakota State has produced some big-name quarterbacks over the years, like Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, and Easton Stick. Now, Payton is looking to join that pantheon. The two-time FCS national champion, who always had great athleticism but some injury issues, is now rising up draft boards.

In 52 career games, he threw for 3,188 yards and 21 touchdowns to six interceptions. He also rushed for 1,918 yards and 31 touchdowns. That's a bit of a unique stat profile jumping to the NFL, but it does give him plenty of versatility.

3. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik is a former five-star recruit who looks like he was built in a lab to be an NFL quarterback. He took over as the starter late in his freshman season at Clemson and stayed there for all four years. Still, he's been a bit overlooked in this NFL Draft process, in some part because Clemson didn't meet expectations on the field with him at quarterback.

In his career, Klubnik played in 49 games and completed 64% of his passes. He has 10,123 passing yards and 73 passing touchdowns, plus 878 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He has the numbers and the build. Still, Klubnik has largely not been discussed in this year's NFL Draft.

Daniel Morrison

Dan Morrison is a writer originally from Massachusetts, now residing in Florida. He spent four years at On3, working on the National News Desk there. Prior to that, he’s also contributed at Underdog Dynasty.

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