At Interesting Football, we have brought you the list of the top 10 NFL Quarterbacks (QBs) with breakout potential in the 2025/2026 season based on expert analysis.
Top 10 Breakout Quarterbacks for 2025/2026
1. Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
Why we ranked him: Drake is currently paired with Stefon Diggs and OC Josh McDaniels which give him the much needed ability to thrive in his position with ease.
What to watch: His addition brings an improved pocket presence and deep-ball accuracy.
Thought: “Ah shoot, nah, we got a lot of work to do," Maye said on WEEI Afternoons, when asked about the MVP talk. "I think that’s a long way away. I think getting some more wins is what I’m focused on… That stuff all comes to life when you start winning games and keep making plays.”
Power Rankings: Top 10+ best NFL quarterbacks currently
2. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
Why we ranked him: Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has developed a system that is favourable for QBs and this would aid the likes of Nix who has already shown flashes of elite decision-making to thrive with ease in the team.
What to watch: Nix has an impressive ability, and that is handling pressure and pushing the ball downfield.
Thoughts: “We would always pay attention to what we might be looking for,” Payton told reporters after the Broncos defeated the New York Jets on October 12. “I think we have time to do that. But I’m not thinking about that right now.”
3. Sam Howell (Seattle Seahawks)
Why we ranked him: Sam Howell is having a fresh start in Seattle and this would give him a chance to reset.
What to watch: Howell is known for his mobility and chemistry with DK Metcalf which creates a balanced system in the offense and quality addition for the Seahawks.
Thoughts: "He turned it loose and zipped it. It was a perfect strike. We all said, 'Wow,'" Brown said. "That was one of the first times we knew he wasn't going to panic in front of people
4. Desmond Ridder (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Why we ranked him: Ridder has an opportunity to lead a talented offense.
What to watch: He is one of the most consistent players.
Thoughts: "We didn't get to see the athleticism until late, but you did get to see that, see him move around in the pocket, see the strong arm," Pierce said. "Again, he's 10 days in the building, but I thought, obviously, he's competing."
5. Aidan O’Connell (Las Vegas Raiders)
Why we ranked him: Aidan O’Connell now has a full offseason as the starter and chance to prove his position in the team.
What to watch: Aidan O’Connell has a command in the offensive position and ability to stretch the field.
Thoughts: "Go back to the quarterback competition in the spring and training camp," Pierce said. "I thought he handled it like a pro. He was always ready to go.
6. Jaren Hall (Minnesota Vikings)
Why we ranked him: Hall could be the main figure in the offensive position due to is consistency and athleticism.
What to watch: He is known for his decision-making despite being under pressure.
Thoughts: Coach Kevin O'Connell said "I fully believe in Jaren Hall's future" but added that Rypien represented a better "short-term" option.
7. Tyson Bagent (Chicago Bears)
Why we ranked him: Bagent is expected to step into the main qb slot for the Chicago Bears.
What to watch: Tyson Bagent is known for his quick release and short-area accuracy which makes him standout.
Thoughts: head coach Ben Johnson – "He's been phenomenal ... He's smart as a whip." – and general manager Ryan Poles – "There isn't a harder worker on this football team than Tyson Bagent." Perhaps his looming extension should've been obvious.
8. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans)
Why we ranked him: Willis could be handed another shot in the qb position.
What to watch: Malik Willis mechanics and ability to read defenses is a key tool for him to thrive in his position.
Thoughts: A month ago, coach Matt LaFleur had never coached Willis. Now, he's 2-0 with him as his fill-in starting quarterback.
9. Clayton Tune (Arizona Cardinals)
Why we ranked him: Clayton Tune has been tipped to shine based on the performance of his predecessors.
What to watch: He is known for his arm strength and skills.
Thoughts: "I thought for the circumstance that he was thrown into, I thought Clayton played really well," tight end Trey McBride said.
10. Jake Haener (New Orleans Saints)
Why we ranked him: Haener could have a chance to prove himself amid the inconsistency of the team's main Quarterbacks.
What to watch
tch: Jake Haener is known for his accuracy and leadership especially in crucial moments.