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In an unexpected turn of events in college football, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU and Drew Allar from Penn State have emerged as the co-favorites to be the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This follows the struggles of Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who was initially viewed as the frontrunner for the coveted spot. As per the latest odds reported by DraftKings, both Nussmeier and Allar now hold +350 odds, drastically changing the landscape of the draft predictions.
Nussmeier’s rise comes after an impressive performance in Week 1, where he completed 28 of 38 passes for 230 yards, leading LSU to a victory against No. 4 Clemson with a final score of 17-10. Meanwhile, Allar showcased his prowess by throwing for 217 yards and a touchdown with a 22-for-26 completion rate, guiding his team to an easy 46-11 win against Nevada.
Shifting Odds in the NFL Draft Landscape
The two quarterbacks have effectively eclipsed Manning, who now sits at fifth place in the odds ranking with +700. Manning’s decline in rankings can be attributed to his performance during Texas’s season-opening loss to Ohio State, where he failed to impress. LaNorris Sellers, the quarterback for South Carolina, currently holds the next-best odds at +500 to be the first overall pick while Clemson’s Cade Klubnik sits at +550 following his loss to Nussmeier’s LSU. The draft landscape continues to evolve as players prove themselves on the field.
What This Means for College Football
This significant shift highlights the volatile nature of college football and how quickly things can change based on player performances. Scouts and fans alike are now keeping a close watch on Nussmeier and Allar to see if they can maintain their momentum as they move deeper into the season. Both are considered potential franchise quarterbacks and their growth will be pivotal for their teams’ prospects.
As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how the performances of these young quarterbacks influence their standings in the NFL Draft as the college football season progresses. Who will be the standout player that captures the attention of NFL teams?
Conclusion: A New Era for NFL Draft Predictions
The early buzz surrounding Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar not only sets the stage for an exciting 2026 NFL Draft but also signifies a shift in expectations for college football fans. With Manning’s stock plummeting, the spotlight will be on how these young guns respond to the pressure of heightened expectations. As predicted by various analysts, the race to be the first overall pick has just become more competitive. Fans should brace themselves for a rollercoaster of performances in the weeks to come.
FAQs
Who are the current favorites to go first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar are currently the co-favorites, holding +350 odds.
What happened to Arch Manning’s draft stock?
His stock has fallen following a tough performance in Texas’s season-opening loss to Ohio State, placing him at fifth in the odds rankings now.
How did Nussmeier perform in his recent game?
He completed 28 of 38 passes for 230 yards and led LSU to a victory against Clemson.
What are LaNorris Sellers’ odds for the first overall pick?
LaNorris Sellers has the next-best odds at +500.
What does this shift in draft predictions mean for college football?
It reflects the dynamic nature of the sport and how quickly player performances can change perceptions and rankings.
