NFL executives are encouraging eligible quarterbacks to return to college rather than enter the underwhelming 2026 draft class, hoping additional development time benefits both players and teams.
The Athletic reports that teams view the current crop of draft-eligible quarterbacks as largely unready for the NFL. Indiana\'s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon\'s Dante Moore, Alabama\'s Ty Simpson, South Carolina\'s LaNorris Sellers, and Texas\' Arch Manning have drawn the most attention as potential first-rounders, though Manning is expected to return to school.
\"It doesn\'t benefit us (in the NFL) if all these guys come out early and aren\'t ready,\" an NFL team executive told The Athletic.
“I don’t know why any of them would consider leaving,” a second executive said. “Why not go play college football and build yourself to get to that level? I think it helps everybody. I think it puts a better product on the field in college. It helps us evaluate them longer, as they get real reps to amass experience before coming to our level.
“It helps our evaluation. It helps their preparation. It helps their maturity. They learn how to lead better. They learn how to handle adversity better.”
College quarterbacks can now earn between $1 million and $5 million annually through NIL deals and marketing opportunities, making the decision to stay in school financially viable. Projected first-round prospects at premium programs typically earn toward the higher end of that range.
\"Because of the NIL piece of it, I don\'t know why you\'d turn down guaranteed millions when you don\'t have a clear path at our level,\" a second NFL executive said.
The transfer portal also provides quarterbacks opportunities to find better coaching and systems. Last year, Cam Ward transferred from Washington State to Miami and elevated his draft stock from mid-round prospect to the No. 1 overall pick.
Trey Lance, Anthony Richardson, and J.J. McCarthy serve as warnings about declaring early. Lance has started just six games since 2020 and is now a backup on his third team. Richardson has started only 15 games in two NFL seasons after entering the draft with just 13 college starts.
\"It\'s a lot easier to develop in a college program, a place and an offense you know against college teams,\" a third NFL executive said. \"The NFL is not forgiving.\"
Teams believe extended college experience helps quarterbacks develop leadership skills and handle adversity better before facing professional competition.