The 2026 QB Class: The Viral SPS Model Finds a Possible 100.0 SPS QB

The 2026 QB hype is already out of control with 3-4 QB’s projected to go in the first round. Although, that could all end up just being noise. So, is there a true franchise-altering QB talent in this class? We ran the numbers on the top 10 QBs and found a potential perfect 100.0 Star-Predictor Score (SPS) QB prospect. Therefore, the answer is a definitive YES; there is a potential 100.0 SPS grade in the 2026 QB class.

Industry Approved NFL SPS Model

Our Star-Predictor Score (SPS) model – which Barstool Sports called “dead on balls” accurate and The Pat McAfee Show discussed the SPS live on air for being highly accurate – ran the projections on the top 10 QB’s, and the results shocked us just as it did last year when we ran Jaxson Dart’s 100.0 SPS grade. The gap between the potential 2026 100.0 SPS QB and what would be the next QB (Dart) could be the widest we’ve ever seen at QB. Let’s dive into the prospects to set the stage for who possibly could be the next 100.0 SPS grade if it’s confirmed next year when the formula for him is finalized.

The Contenders: 10 QBs Under the Microscope

1. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)

The hype train started early on Mendoza, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got the ideal 6’5″ frame and a strong arm that can push the ball outside the numbers. He’s tough and willing to stand in the pocket through contact. But he sometimes leaves clean pockets early or stands statuesque when the heat is coming.

• Pros: Great size (6’5″), tough in the pocket, good arm strength.
• Cons: Anticipation is route-specific; struggles to throw receivers open on second reads.

Is the Big Ten prototype the 100.0 SPS prospect?

2. Ty Simpson (Alabama)

Simpson has elite poise and a high football IQ – he handles pre-snap responsibilities like a veteran. His intermediate accuracy is money, translating directly to high-percentage NFL throws. The downside is the athleticism and the lack of a true cannon arm. He’s has a good floor, but is his ceiling high enough for the perfect score?

• Pros: Elite poise, high-level football IQ, great intermediate accuracy.
• Cons: Lacks a “cannon” arm, good-not-great athlete.

Did the model give him the perfect grade?

3. Dante Moore (Oregon)

The pure talent is undeniable. Watching Moore throw is effortless; the ball explodes out of his hand, and his deep ball is a thing of beauty. He’s a natural passer. Although, he’s streaky and needs to prove he can consistently operate when the pocket breaks down. When he’s cold, he’s COLD.

• Pros: Pure, natural passer. Effortless, fluid release and beautiful deep ball.
• Cons: Needs to prove he can handle complex pressure, can be streaky.

Is the smoothest release in the class the one holding the 100.0 NFL SPS score?

4. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)

Sellers is the consensus lottery ticket. He’s built like a tank – 240 lbs – with true elite athleticism and an absolute laser for an arm. He is the consensus “unicorn” in this class, offering the kind of raw athleticism that fantasy managers dream of. But he does come with high volatility; his mechanics need a full, ground-up rebuild before he may be able to consistently function at the next level.

• Pros: The “unicorn.” Massive build (240+ lbs) with a huge arm and elite rushing power.
• Cons: Very raw as a passer, mechanics need a full rebuild.

Does the elite athleticism of Sellers earn him the perfect SPS grade?

5. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Nussmeier lives and dies by the gunslinger mentality. He has big-time arm talent and loves to attack deep, which leads to massive spike weeks. Although, that same gunslinger mentality leads to turnover-worthy plays and forced throws at an alarming rate. Consistency is the enemy of the gunslinger, and his mechanics are all over the place.

• Pros: Big-time arm talent, loves to attack deep, elite gunslinger mentality.
• Cons: “Gunslinger” leads to bad INTs, forces throws, inconsistent mechanics.

Did our algorithm reward the high-risk, high-reward nature of the LSU product?

6. Jayden Maiava (USC)

Maiava has the pro-style frame and enough arm strength to make all the throws, especially when he’s rolling out and throwing on the move. He has the tools. However, he is a highly inconsistent decision-maker. Under pressure, his accuracy wavers, and he starts spraying the ball. He will need polished.

• Pros: Pro-style frame, good arm strength, can throw on the move.
• Cons: Inconsistent decision-maker, accuracy wavers under pressure.

Could the USC transfer be the perfect 100.0 NFL SPS prospect?

7. Cade Klubnik (Clemson)

You love the athlete, the toughness, and the natural leadership that Klubnik brings – he’s a gamer and a leader. But he does have suspect decision making outside of structure and his mechanics often break down, which easily could be exploited by NFL defenses.

• Pros: Great athlete, tough, and a natural leader.
• Cons: Suspect decision making outside of structure; mechanics often break down.

Did he shine enough in other areas to earn the perfect NFL SPS score?

8. John Mateer (Oklahoma)

A true gamer and dual-threat who runs tough when he needs to. Mateer is a legitimate playmaker, but he comes with some concerns and the biggest question is whether his arm strength is sufficient to hit those deep ropes required on Sundays. He’s fun, but is he an NFL starter?

• Pros: True dual-threat, tough runner, and a gamer.
• Cons: Slightly undersized, arm strength is a question mark for the NFL.

Is dual-threat capability enough to earn him the perfect SPS grade?

9. Darien Mensah (Duke)

Mensah is decisive, fearless, and accurate, excelling in the quick-game offense. He runs an efficient operation and gets the ball out on time. The biggest knock is the level of competition he faced and his need to significantly speed up his down-field reads when the first progression is covered.

• Pros: Decisive, fearless, and accurate passer who thrives in the quick game.
• Cons: Level of competition, needs to speed up his reads.

Will the quick-game technician from Duke nail the perfect 100.0 SPS grade?

10. Drew Allar (Penn State)

The prototypical 6’5″, 240 lbs QB with a howitzer for an arm. His production has never matched the potential. He has a serious lack of anticipation, forcing receivers to wait on throws they should be catching in stride. All the physical tools, none of the consistent output thus far.

• Pros: The “prototype.” 6’5″, 240 lbs, cannon for an arm.
• Cons: Production has never matched the potential. Lacks anticipation and can be robotic.

Does the ultimate physical specimen have the projected perfect SPS grade?

The Verdict is in

We just showed you the top ten QBs in the 2026 class, and we can confirm: there is a 2026 QB projected to be a 100.0 SPS prospect. Another one is pushing the Top 10 All-Time QB SPS prospects list.

If you want to see the projected 2026 grades before they are made official in April during the NFL and made public after 2026 Fantasy draft season, you can get the full rookie class projected grades including the QB projected to be a 100.0 SPS QB here.