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After an 0-3 start, the Saints are already eyeing next April’s draft. With a likely top-three pick in their future, New Orleans has its sights set on solving their quarterback dilemma. Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough are on the roster, but neither has shown the makings of a franchise quarterback. The good news? The 2026 draft class features several promising QB prospects at the top.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier initially looked like the perfect fit. The Louisiana native who plays for the state’s flagship program seemed destined to stay home with the Saints. But football happens fast.
Four weeks into the college season, the QB landscape has shifted dramatically. Oklahoma’s John Mateer and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza have leapfrogged Nussmeier in most draft projections.
Mateer and Mendoza Emerging as Elite QB Prospects
Nussmeier hasn’t exactly struggled – he’s thrown for 962 yards with six touchdowns while completing 68.6% of his passes for the undefeated Tigers (4-0). His numbers are solid, but his competitors are playing at another level.
Mateer has been electric for Oklahoma, piling up 1,265 passing yards and six touchdowns with a 67.5% completion rate. What separates him is his dual-threat ability – he’s added 190 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. Meanwhile, Nussmeier has actually lost yardage (-10) when running.
The biggest riser might be Mendoza. The Indiana signal-caller has been nearly perfect, completing an eye-popping 76.8% of his throws for 975 yards and 14 touchdowns.
His combination of elite arm strength and prototypical size (6-foot-5) has scouts salivating.
Any questions about Mendoza’s ability to perform against top competition were answered when he dismantled 9th-ranked Illinois 63-10.
Beyond the stats, both Mateer and Mendoza offer more upside than Nussmeier. They’re each two years younger than the LSU quarterback, who can’t match Mendoza’s cannon arm or Mateer’s athleticism. Simply put, they’re more complete prospects with higher ceilings.
There’s plenty of football left before April’s draft. Things change quickly in this sport.
For the Saints, finding their quarterback of the future is step one in turning around a franchise that has plenty of other pieces in place. First-year head coach Kellen Moore brings offensive creativity, the line is solid, and they still have one of the NFL’s premier backs in Alvin Kamara.
As New Orleans scouts continue evaluating this QB class, don’t be surprised if their focus shifts toward the rising stars at Oklahoma and Indiana rather than the hometown favorite from LSU.
