For the two quarterback talents Garrett Nussmeier and Ty Simpson, their performance at the NFL Combine could have a major impact on when they are picked in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The NFL Combine often has a major influence on the NFL Draft.

Some players are actually considered potential top picks, but make a bad impression at the Combine and drop in the rankings. Others impress in the performance tests and thus fuel the interest of NFL teams.

This Saturday, it will be the quarterbacks’ turn to demonstrate their throwing skills. This could be a fateful day for two passers in particular: Ty Simpson from Alabama and Garrett Nussmeier from LSU.

Basically, the quarterback class of the 2026 NFL Draft is rather weak in terms of depth. The only thing that is almost certain is that Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers will be the number one pick and will therefore end up with the Las Vegas Raiders. Otherwise, however, no passer is likely to be picked early in the first round – unless the impressions at the Combine change something. Nussmeier could possibly recommend himself. He was considered the best quarterback prospect before the 2025 college season, but then had a mixed season. He suffered an abdominal injury, made only nine starts, and achieved a modest record of five wins and four losses.

However, the 24-year-old impressed in the 2024 season, going 9-4 in 13 starts, throwing for 4,043 yards and recording 29 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions. Nussmeier plans to throw at the Combine on Saturday.
Perhaps he can show at Lucas Oil Stadium why he was once considered an early first-round pick.
Simpson was a starting QB for only one season.

Simpson could also use this opportunity to recommend himself as a first-round pick. The 23-year-old looks back on his only season as starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with only five interceptions, leading Alabama to an 11-4 record and a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

Other talented quarterbacks for the NFL Draft include Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), and Jalon Daniels (Kansas). Our analysis takes a closer look at these passers.