Ten quarterbacks emerge as potential 2027 NFL Draft breakout candidates
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 30
Ten quarterbacks emerge as potential 2027 NFL Draft breakout candidates
12 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 30
The list includes USC's Jayden Maiava, LSU's Sam Leavitt, Indiana's Josh Hoover and UCLA's Nico Iamaleava, while excluding top prospects Arch Manning and Dante Moore.
Candidates were chosen for traits, transfers or scheme changes that could spark major rises, from Maiava's efficiency and Leavitt's recovery to Hoover replacing Fernando Mendoza at Indiana.
The analysis argues matching Mendoza's leap to Heisman winner, national champion and 2026 No. 1 pick will be difficult, but another late surge could still reshape a deep quarterback class.
Which QB's new coach holds the secret to unlocking a championship run, mirroring Fernando Mendoza's legendary rise?
With NIL deals rivaling NFL contracts, which QB is the biggest boom-or-bust investment for the 2026 season?