The McShay Show - Episode Summary: Offseason Mailbag! The 2026 Quarterback Class, Our Scouting Process, and More

Release Date: July 14, 2025

In this insightful episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay, alongside co-host Steve Levy, dives deep into listener questions, offering expert analysis on the upcoming 2026 quarterback class, the intricacies of their scouting process, and various other pressing topics in the football landscape.

1. Introduction and Episode Format

The episode kicks off with Todd McShay welcoming listeners to "mailbag day," where he and Steve Levy address questions submitted by their premium subscribers. Emphasizing the collaborative nature of the show, Todd encourages more listeners to subscribe to "The McShay Report" to engage directly with the content and shape future discussions.

Todd McShay [01:06]: "Today's a fun one. Stevie Boy, mailbag day, college football, NFL draft, and details of the scouting process. We're covering it all."

2. The 2026 Quarterback Class: High Ceiling and Low Floor Prospects

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to dissecting the 2026 quarterback class. Listener Kyle poses a question about which quarterback, excluding Arch Manning, has the highest ceiling and lowest floor.

Kyle's Question [03:51]: "Out of all the QBs in the 2026 class, excluding Arch Manning, who do you think has the highest ceiling and the lowest floor?"

Todd McShay’s Response: Todd identifies Lenora Sellers from South Carolina as the quarterback with the highest ceiling, praising his athletic traits and potential for development. Conversely, Drew Aller is cited as having the lowest floor due to his limited mobility and challenges in visualizing and executing throws under pressure.

Todd McShay [04:06]: "If you develop perfectly, Lenora Sellers has the Big arm and the athletic traits... you can't coach what he has."

Steve Levy [05:50]: "We agree. Sellers always has that strength and mobility to lean on, so the floor is a little higher for him."

The discussion further explores other notable quarterbacks in the class, including Club Nick Nussmeier, Garrett Nussmeier, Fernando Mendoza, and Sam Levitt, highlighting their unique strengths and areas for improvement.

Todd McShay [08:04]: "Sellers, Fernando Mendoza, the Cal transfer to IU, Sam Levitt, Arizona State, then Drew Aller... We want to see Sellers' development."

A bonus question from Michael delves into potential late-round QB picks who could exceed expectations, with Sawyer Robertson from Baylor receiving particular attention for his accuracy and mobility.

3. Premium Positions and Draft Trends

Ron Smart asks about the classification of premium positions in the NFL Draft and how evolving offensive strategies impact the valuation of these positions.

Ron's Question [19:10]: "What positions would you classify as premium positions as of today? And does that change over time because of how offenses utilize players?"

Todd McShay’s Analysis: Todd emphasizes that quarterback, pass rusher, and pass protector are currently the top-tier positions prized in the early rounds of the draft. He discusses how trends and team needs influence draft strategies, citing the 2017 running back-heavy draft as an example of the market dictating player value.

Todd McShay [19:10]: "Premium positions, like quarterback, pass rusher, pass protector... talent trumps trends."

Steve Levy’s Input: Steve concurs, adding that positions like cornerback and tight end are gaining importance due to their versatility and the evolving nature of defensive schemes.

Steve Levy [25:36]: "Corner is starting to become more important because it's harder to find corners than it is safeties."

4. Michigan Offensive Line Dominance

Listener Andrew inquires about Michigan's ability to dominate the offensive line over three years without relying on premium talent.

Andrew's Question [27:23]: "How is the Michigan offensive line able to dominate over a three-year span from 2021 to 2023 without having premium talent across the board?"

Steve Levy’s Breakdown: Steve attributes Michigan’s success to their cohesive unit play, exceptional coaching under their offensive line coach-turned-head coach Sherrone Moore, and the supportive chemistry with their running backs like Blake Corum. Despite lacking elite pass blockers, their run-heavy schemes and strong teamwork have kept them at the top.

Steve Levy [28:18]: "They were first in rushing yards per game in the Big Ten for two years in a row... The collection's better than the individual."

5. Player Evaluation and Scouting Process

Listener Jonathan asks about how player grades are determined as the draft approaches.

Jonathan's Question [59:28]: "I've seen numbers like 93, 90, 85 thrown out there, but have never known how you've gotten there. Is there a specific formula or is it more of a feel that brings you there?"

Todd McShay’s Explanation: Todd explains that their grading system is based on decades of experience, tape study, and a holistic understanding of a player’s potential. Scores from 90-99 denote "pro consistent" players expected to perform at an all-pro level.

Todd McShay [63:28]: "90 to 99 is essentially like these are all pro consistent. Like we believe that this player is going to be a consistent year in, year out, all pro."

6. Future of Indiana Football

Mark and Eduardo inquire about the sustainability of Indiana University’s football program following a successful 2024 season.

Mark's Question [41:02]: "What's the future of Indiana football? Do you think that the 2024 was an anomaly or are we building something sustainable in Bloomington?"

Steve Levy’s Perspective: Steve remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the progress under coach Sigi Schmid but emphasizing realistic expectations. He points out the financial constraints compared to powerhouse programs and the competitive challenges within the Big Ten.

Steve Levy [41:20]: "They are building something sustainable and something competitive, but I'm not ready to put them in the top part of the league and say that they're a team that's going to go to the playoffs every year."

7. Front Office Strategy and Upcoming Draft Classes

Listeners Michael and others pose questions about how NFL front offices plan for future draft classes and adjust their strategies based on upcoming talent pools.

Michael's Question [64:56]: "How far out are front offices thinking about the quality of an upcoming draft class and how does that play into their personnel moves and planning strategy?"

Todd McShay’s Insights: Todd discusses how teams balance immediate needs with future prospects, using the example of the Rams and Eagles strategizing based on the strength of the 2027 quarterback class. He highlights the delicate balance between addressing current roster needs and retaining draft capital for future talents.

Todd McShay [64:56]: "There's always an eye towards what's coming out... We knew next year's group was going to be great, so we weren't as desperate to do it this year."

8. Hosts' Strengths and Collaborative Dynamic

In a heartfelt exchange, Todd and Steve commend each other's strengths, acknowledging how their complementary skills enhance the show’s quality.

Todd McShay [72:34]: "I appreciate the nuanced part that I appreciate about Steve is there's no wavering with this man. It is what it is."

Steve Levy [73:07]: "Your ability to develop relationships and gather information... work ethic, and listening skills stand out."

9. Memorable College Game Day Atmospheres

Towards the end, the hosts share their favorite college football game day experiences, highlighting personal connections and memorable events like the Rose Bowl with his grandfather and the electrifying atmosphere of the Iron Bowl.

Todd McShay [55:02]: "I went to that Rose Bowl with my grandfather... Having that memory and then coming full circle... it's special."

10. Conclusion and Future Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, Todd invites listeners to continue engaging by subscribing to "The McShay Report" and submitting more questions for future mailbag episodes. The hosts express their excitement for the upcoming football season and tease upcoming content focused on specific players and broader draft analyses.

Todd McShay [74:32]: "We're going to make this a consistent thing that we do... We appreciate you guys taking the time to write it."

Notable Quotes

• Todd McShay [04:06]: "If you develop perfectly, Lenora Sellers has the Big arm and the athletic traits... you can't coach what he has."

• Steve Levy [25:36]: "Corner is starting to become more important because it's harder to find corners than it is safeties."

• Todd McShay [63:28]: "90 to 99 is essentially like these are all pro consistent. Like we believe that this player is going to be a consistent year in, year out, all pro."

• Steve Levy [41:20]: "They are building something sustainable and something competitive, but I'm not ready to put them in the top part of the league and say that they're a team that's going to go to the playoffs every year."

• Steve Levy [73:07]: "Your ability to develop relationships and gather information... work ethic, and listening skills stand out."

Final Thoughts This episode of The McShay Show offers a comprehensive exploration of the upcoming NFL draft landscape, particularly focusing on the quarterback position and the strategic considerations of football programs and NFL front offices. Todd McShay and Steve Levy provide valuable insights, blending listener questions with expert analysis to deliver a rich and engaging discussion for football enthusiasts.