The 2026 NFL training camps are on the horizon, and with that in mind, ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This is the seventh edition of these annual rankings.
Here's how it works: Voters gave their own top 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen as well as ESPN Research. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions.
Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed contributed to placements. This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award, but meant to answer a simple question: Who are the best players right now?
Our rollout schedule: running backs (July 6), cornerbacks (July 7), edge rushers (July 8), defensive tackles (July 9), tight ends (July 10), offensive tackles (July 11), interior offensive linemen (July 12), quarterbacks (July 13), off-ball linebackers (July 14), wide receivers (July 15) and safeties (July 16). In the 2000s, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning drove a relentless debate around who deserved the title of the NFL's best quarterback.
Today, it's Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen -- two AFC rivals squarely in their primes at age 30 -- according to votes from league scouts, executives and coaches.
While last year's top-10 voting represented a Big Four of sorts in Mahomes, Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson , the former two separated themselves a bit this year, creating a clear top tier. (However, reigning MVP Matthew Stafford crashed the party and stole a bunch of top votes, shaking up Tier 2 in a big way.) And here's something for symmetry's sake in the top QB discussion: Allen doesn't have a Super Bowl ring and enters Year 9 ...
the same point at which Manning broke through with his first championship. Mahomes -- just like Brady at that stage -- already has three titles.
Overall, the position is much deeper than it was a year ago. Fifteen passers appeared on at least 30% of the ballots.
"[Ranking Nos.] 10-20 is getting harder to decide on -- that means we're getting to a good place with QBs," an NFL head coach said. Let's get to the list.
Here are the league's top 10 quarterbacks for 2026. 1.
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. Allen took advantage of the composite voting, averaging a ranking of 2.10 per ballot.
That helped him overcome his 34.1% first-place clip, slightly below Mahomes' 41.5%. One NFL general manager perfectly summed up why Allen -- the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns -- belongs at the top, though.
"He's the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game," the GM said. "And he has cut down on the turnovers the past two seasons." Once among the game's most generous at gift-wrapping footballs for defenders, Allen has assuaged the turnover problem, averaging eight interceptions per season since 2024 (down from an average of 15.7 from 2021-23).
He fumbled 12 times over the last two years, an improvement from his 20 from the previous two seasons -- and a small consideration against the backdrop of 41 rushing touchdowns since 2023. Reversion to his old ways surfaced at the worst possible time, though, when he threw two interceptions and fumbled twice during last season's divisional round in Denver.
"You live with him and die with him," an NFL coordinator said. "You can't get mad at him because he won a lot of games for you with a similar style and he was so good." That same coach credits Allen for elevating the play of teammates: "Look who he was throwing to.
His wideouts weren't great. But he made it work and brought out their best.
He elevates the people around him, clearly." Multiple coaches credited now-head coach Joe Brady -- Allen's offensive coordinator the previous two seasons -- with streamlining Allen's game and implementing a scheme that accentuates his strengths. Allen's three seasons with at least 25 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns (all over the past three years) are the most in NFL history.
2. Patrick Mahomes , Kansas City Chiefs Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 9 Age: 30 | L