One question Arch Manning, four other QB prospects must answer before 2027 NFL Draft

Indiana — which won the national championship — was a buzzsaw, but Moore underwhelmed throughout the CFP. He tossed six TD passes and four interceptions, and took five sacks in three games. 

"Evaluators want to see Moore become more consistent against top-tier defenses," wrote ESPN's Jordan Reid in a story published May 26. "Defenses that hit Moore early can get him to become timid as the game goes on."

Overcoming this will be important for Moore. The ability to stay composed in the biggest games is what separates good QBs from great ones. 

3. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes

Big question: Can he extend plays with his legs? 

Sayin (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) could be considered the opposite of Arch Manning: a super-accurate QB who isn't mobile. 

2025 Heisman finalist Sayin completed 77 percent of his passes last season, the third-highest mark in a season in FBS history behind former Alabama Crimson Tide standout Mac Jones (77.36 percent) and former Oregon star Bo Nix (77.45 percent). But he struggles to improvise when plays break down. 

This was apparent in Ohio State's 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the CFP quarterfinal. Sayin took five sacks. The QB, who rushed for zero TDs last season, acknowledged his ability to extend plays with his legs must improve in 2026.

"I think there were a ton of things this offseason that I was looking to get better at, whether it's having cleaner feet in the pocket, [or] having a little better pocket presence," Sayin told "The Triple Option" on May 6 (h/t Brandon Little of A to Z Sports). "Then knowing when to extend plays and take off. Third down and nothing's open, we gotta go pick it up with our legs and get the first down. "

If Sayin does that, he should vie for QB1 in the draft. On a recent podcast, The Ringer's Todd McShay said, "I think Julian Sayin is going to be one of the biggest stories in college football this season." 

4. CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Big question: Can he become a better play-action passer? 

Carr, the grandson of former Michigan Wolverines head coach Lloyd, exceeded expectations in his first season as a starter. The QB tossed 24 TD passes and six interceptions, ranking eighth in the FBS in QBR (83.4). To keep building on that, he must display growth as a play-action passer. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Carr (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) went 25-of-46 passing (54.3 percent) on play-action passes last season. He went 170-of-253 passing (67.2 percent) on non-play-action passes. 

Executing play-action passes consistently is a must in the NFL. Pro Football Reference credited Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, the 2025 league MVP, with the most passing yards on play-action passes last season (1,744 on 207 attempts). Carr mentioned in April that he had studied Stafford tape. Perhaps that will help him turn this weakness into a strength. 

5. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks

Big question: Can he become an effective downfield passer? 

Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) has drawn comparisons to former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) for his frame and rushing ability. He has rushed for 995 yards and 13 TDs on 320 carries in three seasons with South Carolina. 

His arm talent, however, doesn't resemble that of 2015 NFL MVP Newton. In 2025, Sellers ranked 11th among 15 SEC QBs in passing yards per game (203.1 in 12 games) — the QB's inability to consistently push the ball downfield limited South Carolina's playbook. Per PFF, 40.9 percent of his 293 pass attempts were between zero and nine air yards (distance the ball travels in the air from the line of scrimmage). 

South Carolina fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula, replacing him with Kendal Briles. We'll see if that helps Sellers air it more in 2026. 

"It's a much more promising situation with Kendal Briles as the offensive coordinator," McShay said. "I think the [offense is] going to take some of the stuff off his plate, in terms of protection and all that stuff."