What happened: CBS Sports gives Julian Sayin one of four first-round quarterback grades entering the 2026 season. Darian Mensah carries an early second-round grade, while John Mateer, LaNorris Sellers and others face questions about consistency or recent regression.
Why it matters: The coming college season will determine whether the class's familiar names become credible early-round prospects. Eligibility decisions could also push some quarterbacks into the 2028 pool.
By the numbers: Sayin completed 78.4% of his 2025 passes, averaged 9.3 yards per attempt and threw 31 touchdowns against six interceptions. Mensah posted a 75.8 QBR with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions; his 39.4 readiness score ranks second among the group behind Sayin.
What to watch: Watch whether Sayin sustains his efficiency, Mensah sharpens his footwork and Mateer rebounds after hand surgery affected his 2025 season.