It may only be one week into the 2026 NFL season, but some fans already have their eyes on the 2027 NFL Draft. Draft experts expect the 2027 quarterback class to be incredible with several first-round caliber players available. But the two names at the top of one expert's watch list will probably surprise most college football fans.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. name dropped a few players he is keeping an eye on after the beginning of the 2026 college football season. Surprisingly, neither Arch Manning nor Julian Sayin made the cut.

“I think right now if you say who are the two most impressive quarterbacks I saw this weekend, it was Austin Simmons, Missouri, Friday night at Kansas. And then Kamario Taylor, the true sophomore at Mississippi State against Minnesota on Saturday,” Kiper said on Tuesday via The Golics. “Boy, if he was in this draft, he might be the number one pick overall if he can continue to play like that. So certainly for next year, can't be in this draft, but for the 2028 draft he'll be a guy to watch.”

Taylor had an incredible game against Minnesota, going 16-of-22 for 227 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also showed off his running skills, logging 13 carries for 86 rushing yards.

Meanwhile, Simmons went 19-of-29 for 292 passing yards and three touchdowns against Kansas.

Kiper also named a few additional college football quarterbacks he wants to see more consistency from in the coming weeks.

“But we're still waiting on consistency from an Arch Manning and getting some better opponents for guys like Darian Mensah, of course C.J. Carr at Notre Dame, Josh Hoover at Indiana, Jayden Maiava at USC, who have started very well. But the opponents have to get a little better.” Kiper concluded.

The 2027 quarterback class certainly sounds like it is living up to all the hype.

It will be interesting to see if the hype around Simmons and Taylor continues to grow throughout the season.