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Josh Allen Named ESPN’s Top QB, Beats Mahomes

7/14/2026

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Summary

Josh Allen Tops

Josh Allen was voted No. 1 quarterback in ESPN’s 2026 poll of coaches and scouts.
He captured 34.1% of first-place votes and a 2.10 ranking.
Patrick Mahomes received 41.5% of first-place votes but placed second.
Allen cut turnovers to eight interceptions and 12 fumbles, down from 15.7 interceptions and 20 fumbles, while becoming the only player with 200 passing and 50 rushing touchdowns and 41 rushing scores since 2023.

Summary

Joe Brady Praised

Joe Brady, the Bills’ new head coach, was praised by opposing coaches for streamlining Josh Allen’s game.
At 30, Allen became the youngest NFL player to reach 300 career touchdowns.
ESPN’s quarterback ranking surveyed executives, coaches and scouts and averaged 2.10 per ballot.
Brady was promoted to head coach before the poll was released as the NFL offseason nears its end and training camp begins in a few weeks.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, after the Chiefs traded veteran Alex Smith, 23-year-old Patrick Mahomes became the starter and threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the NFL MVP as the league’s youngest quarterback honoree. His breakout followed a franchise history of veteran QBs—from Len Dawson’s 1960s titles to Andy Reid’s 2013 hiring—prompting teams to value early-twenties quarterbacks.

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Josh Allen Tops

Josh Allen was voted No. 1 quarterback in ESPN’s 2026 poll of coaches and scouts.
He captured 34.1% of first-place votes and a 2.10 ranking.
Patrick Mahomes received 41.5% of first-place votes but placed second.
Allen cut turnovers to eight interceptions and 12 fumbles, down from 15.7 interceptions and 20 fumbles, while becoming the only player with 200 passing and 50 rushing touchdowns and 41 rushing scores since 2023.

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