For nearly two decades, college football had a clear pattern: Southern programs dominated the national title picture each January, and quarterbacks from that region often topped the NFL Draft a few months later. Stars like Cam Newton and Joe Burrow even bridged both worlds, proving that football in the South carried special weight.
Yet that long stretch of dominance has shifted. In recent years, Big Ten teams from northern schools have captured three straight national championships. And last week, the Las Vegas Raiders made Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, ending a long wait since Illinois’ Jeff George went first overall back in 1990.
Heisman winner from Miami Fernando Mendoza No.1 pick in the NFL draft by Las Vegas Raiders | WLRN
The momentum kept building. A day later, Penn State’s Drew Allar heard his name called in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis in the seventh round by the Washington Commanders. That gave the Big Ten three drafted quarterbacks in one class for just the fourth time in 22 years.
Raiders general manager John Spytek highlighted the challenge at the NFL Scouting Combine: “It’s the hardest position to evaluate. So much is required of those guys… There’s a lot that goes into it.”
This feels different from past waves, such as the 2016 draft class that produced several Big Ten quarterbacks who struggled to stick in the league. Today’s group benefits from the modern realities of NIL deals, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal, which have made the Big Ten a prime destination for top talent.
The three recent national championship quarterbacks — J.J. McCarthy at Michigan, Will Howard at Ohio State, and Mendoza at Indiana — all earned strong compensation before turning pro. Only Allar stayed at the same school throughout his career, underscoring the conference’s broad appeal.
Simply put, as Big Ten football reaches new heights, the league is producing elite talent at the game’s most critical position.
What to Know About Ohio State Quarterback Julian Sayin
While the 2026 class fell just short of matching the five Big Ten quarterbacks drafted in 2016, 2027 looks even stronger. Experts point to potential first-round talent like Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Oregon’s Dante Moore. Both showed elite completion percentages and poise while leading their teams deep into the College Football Playoff.
Strong performances this fall could push several more names into the conversation: USC’s Jayden Maiava, UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava, Indiana’s Josh Hoover, Penn State’s Rocco Becht, and Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles.
The idea of back-to-back years with Big Ten quarterbacks going in the first round would mark a rare achievement for a conference long known for tough, run-heavy football. The last time it produced consecutive first-round passers was decades ago.
With Sayin and Moore leading the way, alongside a deep supporting cast of transfers, the Big Ten appears ready to make its mark on the NFL Draft for years to come. Mendoza set a new standard, and many believe it’s only the start of something bigger.