Manning Passing Academy just proved the 2027 NFL Draft could have a few hidden gems at quarterback
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The Manning Passing Academy always serves as a precursor to the college football season and ultimately the NFL Draft when it comes to quarterbacks. Here are three “sleepers or lesser-known quarterbacks who could rise during the process.
The Manning Passing Academy serves as an annual precursor to the college football season and, more specifically, a preview of who will shine at quarterback ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
This year was no different with star-studded passers that included John Mateer from Oklahoma,CJ Carr from Notre Dame, and of course, Arch Manning from Texas. But what about some of the participants who aren’t household names among the masses? A to Z Sports spoke with a source on the ground to gather intel on the “best of the rest.”
2026 MPA members
- Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
- Arch Manning (Texas)
- Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)
- CJ Carr (Notre Dame)
- Jayden Maiava (USC)
- Noah Fifita (Arizona)
- Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
- Steve Angeli (Syracuse)
- Bear Bachmeier (BYU)
- CJ Bailey (N.C. State)
- Ryan Browne (Purdue)
- Kevin Jennings (SMU)
- Kyle Lowe (Southeastern Louisiana)
- Owen McCown (Texas-San Antonio)
- Alberto Mendoza (Georgia Tech)
- Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State)
- Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (California)
- Kamario Taylor (Mississippi State)
- Conner Weigman (Houston)
- Demond Williams (Washington)
Underrated winner No. 1: Noah Fifita, Arizona
Sources tell A to Z that Fifita really stood out at the event, showing special arm talent and what looked like natural quarterback mechanics. The Arizona Wildcats QB has been named to the preseason All Big-12 team and could be one of the top quarterbacks in the sport this year.
Fifita’s main issue is size. The height limitations constrain his NFL projection, as he’s not exactly a Kyler Murray-level athlete. He can, however, layer the football, play with touch, timing, and anticipation that reminisces Sunday traits. He will need to be nearly perfect to overcome the size concerns, but he’s a name to watch this season.
Underrated Winner No. 2: Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava caught the eye of a contact on the ground at the Manning Passing Academy, looming like one of the more complete passers at the event in the eyes of a source. The USC passer is expected to take a big leap under the direction of Lincoln Riley yet again in 2026.
He flashes notable arm talent, plus athleticism, and the ability to negotiate a pass rush on tape, with multiple off-balance throws and layered passes as well. Unlike Fifita, Maiava is closer to an NFL quarterback in terms of size and could be a riser in the process.
Underrated winner No. 3: CJ Bailey, NC State
People on the ground at the MPA couldn’t talk enough about how impressive Bailey was. The giant quarterback measures in at over 6-6 and over 210 pounds with a beautiful deep ball and some of the best athleticism in the class at quarterback.
The way he moved and his ability to effortlessly throw the football caught the attention of many in attendance, and he has the chance to be a player who hears his name called much earlier than expected next April.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Manning Passing Academy just proved the 2027 NFL Draft could have a few hidden gems at quarterback
© 2026 A to Z Sports.
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