Full Breakdown
Josh Allen Tops ESPN’s 2026 Quarterback Rankings, Overtaking Patrick Mahomes
7/14/2026, 2:36:50 AM
Core Event: ESPN’s Annual Poll Names a New No. 1
ESPN’s July 13, 2026 poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts placed Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen at the top of the league’s quarterback rankings, pushing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to second. The poll, conducted by ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, asked participants to rank the top ten signal-callers; Allen’s average ranking of 2.10 per ballot gave him the edge despite receiving a lower share of first-place votes (34.1 % vs. Mahomes’ 41.5 %).
Poll Methodology and Results
The survey counted each voter’s first-through-tenth choices, assigning ten points for a first-place vote, five for second, three for third, two for fourth and one for fifth. Allen appeared on all eight ballots, earning five first-place votes and additional second-, third- and fourth-place selections. Mahomes led in first-place votes but was placed lower on more ballots, resulting in his second-place finish. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) rounded out the top three.
Allen’s Recent Performance
Over the 2024-2025 seasons Allen amassed 80 total touchdowns (passing, rushing, receiving), becoming the only player with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns and the youngest to reach 300 career touchdowns. In 2025 he threw for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (passer rating 102.2) and added 579 rushing yards with 14 scores. His turnover rate improved markedly, averaging eight interceptions per season since 2024—down from 15.7 in the 2021-23 span—and reducing fumbles from 20 to 12 over the last two years.
Official Statements & Responses
League evaluators highlighted Allen’s “ball-security turnaround” and his ability to elevate teammates despite a “wideout-limited” receiving corps. Several respondents credited the offensive scheme of former Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, now head coach, for “streamlining Allen’s game” and accentuating his dual-threat skill set. The poll’s outcome was also noted by the Associated Press, whose preseason survey similarly ranked Allen No. 1, with Mahomes second.
Criticism & Opposition
A subset of analysts—among them former players Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and Marcus Spears—have long portrayed Allen as “overrated” or “privileged,” framing the debate in cultural terms. Critics also point to Allen’s four-turnover performance in the Bills’ AFC Divisional loss to the Denver Broncos, arguing that postseason success remains lacking. Mahomes supporters emphasize his three Super Bowl titles, superior playoff résumé and the impact of his torn ACL suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ESPN’s poll shows Allen edging Mahomes on average rank, the AP poll and several media outlets report that Mahomes still garnered more first-place votes, underscoring methodological differences. No source provides a definitive assessment of how the Bills’ recent acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore will affect Allen’s 2026 production, leaving that impact uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game.” — NFL general manager
- “And he has cut down on the turnovers the past two seasons.” — NFL general manager
- “Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4 Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 2 Allen has long pushed to supplant Mahomes, but he had to fight for every vote to finally make that happen.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN reporter
- “He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback -- gives you a shot in every game,” — NFL quarterbacks coach
- “Look who he was throwing to. His wideouts weren't great. But he made it work and brought out their best.” — NFL coordinator
What’s Next
Entering the 2026 season, the Bills will debut Joe Brady as head coach and integrate DJ Moore into the receiving group, while the Chiefs aim to rebound from Mahomes’ injury with new acquisitions such as running back Kenneth Walker III. Both franchises will be judged on whether Allen can translate his statistical dominance into postseason success and whether Mahomes can reclaim the top spot after recovery.
