There is no denying that the 2026 QB draft class is significantly weak. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who also won a national title with Indiana earlier this year, is the only surefire QB to go in the first round in several mock drafts. However, former QB Dan Orlovsky thinks that’s a mistake.
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Orlovsky contends that Ty Simpson is the best QB of this draft class. The Alabama alum has been projected to go mid-to-late in the first round, with teams like the Jets (No. 16) and the Steelers (No. 21) seen as favorites to pick him.
That may still be a bit high for him, as teams are likely to weigh in the fact that he has had limited experience for a top prospect (just 15 starts). Simpson has also struggled under pressure and hasn’t shown elite accuracy. Yet, Orlovsky is a believer.
During a segment on Get Up, Orlovsky said, “I think Ty Simpson is QB1. I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class. He’s phenomenal down in the red zone. When you watch him, when I watch him, I see so much of Brock Purdy.”
This strong endorsement has understandably caught the attention of fans. And one of them may even have figured out why Orlovsky is so high on Simpson.
According to X user, ATLNiner, it all ties back to Orlovsky and Simpson sharing the same agency, CAA.
Dan Orlovsky – CAA
Ty Simpson – CAA
Fernando Mendoza – Excel Sports Managment
https://t.co/Sm9QXY8JAk pic.twitter.com/534fYXj580
— ATLNiner (Life is pain football sucks) (@PapaStew80) March 23, 2026
Mendoza, meanwhile, is represented by Excel Sports Management, which is often viewed as a major competitor to CAA. It gets even more interesting… Former GM Mike Tannenbaum, who backed Dan Orlovsky’s take on X, is also represented by CAA, specifically its CAA Speakers division.
— Caleb Davis (@MoerewaHard) March 24, 2026
The plot is even thicker. Just a few weeks ago, Orlovsky picked Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as the best player in this draft over Mendoza. And if you haven’t guessed it already, Love is represented by CAA as well.
All said, this is still more speculation than fact. And Orlovsky’s take could also be the result of a slow news day and the usual practice of putting out hot takes for views. Almost every outlet leans into that at times. However, the agency coincidence is hard to ignore, too.








