SouthernWorldwide.com – Even though Patrick Mahomes missed the playoffs in 2025 and Josh Allen did not have an MVP-caliber season last year, Colin Cowherd still places these two star quarterbacks at the top of his NFL rankings. The question remains, however, which of them truly holds the title of the league’s best quarterback?
Cowherd addressed this by unveiling his top-10 quarterback rankings in the NFL as the 2026 season approaches. His methodology for ranking quarterbacks isn’t solely based on raw talent. Cowherd evaluates players based on a combination of their production, their ability to stay on the field (durability), and the current trajectory of their careers.
Considering these factors, here is Cowherd’s list of the top-10 quarterbacks heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Missed the cut: Dak Prescott, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield
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Cowherd’s thoughts: “He’s 35-10 in his last 45 starts, which is the highest win percentage for any quarterback over the last two years in the league. He’s big, athletic, and takes risks. Crucially, he had zero turnovers when it mattered most in the playoffs. He’s still only 28 years old. While he’s been on five different teams, which is a disaster, if you look at his career starting from 2022, after he was benched in Carolina and came back to go 4-2, he’s been the winningest quarterback in the NFL with the second-highest passer rating.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “This player is arguably the most disrespected quarterback in the league. All he does is win games. He’s achieved four consecutive seasons with over 4,000 passing yards. And remarkably, he never misses a start. He and Caleb Williams seem to be exceptionally durable.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He’s dealt with a poor offensive line and an inconsistent run game. Despite these challenges, he managed to reach a Super Bowl. It’s being reported that he will finally have a true No. 1 wide receiver in A.J. Brown, which I believe will showcase just how special he is. At just 23 years old, he led the NFL in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, all while playing behind a subpar offensive line.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “I absolutely love him. His playing style is unlike any other quarterback, and his movement on the field is unique. He has two MVP awards. He holds the highest passer rating in NFL history, yet many question if he’s a great pocket passer. The analytics community certainly favors him. He also boasts the highest win percentage in league history for a quarterback who has not yet made it to a Super Bowl.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “On any given Sunday, I believe he is the best player in the league. However, Burrow’s durability is a significant concern. You want to see him win more often. But I’ll reiterate, if I needed a quarterback on a fourth-and-7, trailing by four in a Super Bowl, I’m not sure there’s anyone I’d want more than Joe Burrow. I consider him an all-time talent. Unfortunately, he’s been hampered by a budget-conscious owner and a minimalist front office. He holds the highest completion percentage and highest passer rating all-time, despite consistently poor offensive lines.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He just won the MVP award. What more can I say? His team is currently favored to win the Super Bowl. He has transformed several mid-round draft picks, like Puka Nacua who was a fifth-round selection, into stars. Therefore, I’m not building this ranking for the next five years; he is undeniably a top-five quarterback in the NFL right now.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He’s played behind the worst offensive line in the NFL and still made the playoffs, which is astounding. He is incredibly well-loved within his locker room, similar to Lamar Jackson in his respective team’s locker room. He has only missed six starts in his entire career, which is perplexing given he’s never had a competent offensive line protecting him.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “Do you realize his statistics in his first two years? Forty-seven touchdowns and just 13 interceptions, and he’s never been injured. He was never injured in high school, never in college, and has remained healthy throughout his professional career. Despite taking more hits than any other quarterback in the league during his rookie year, he has proven to be unbelievably durable. He makes throws that are comparable to those only Josh Allen can execute.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He is expected to return in September. In each of his first seven years, he led the Chiefs to a division title and an appearance in the AFC Championship game. I apologize, but I cannot succumb to recency bias; he is simply amazing.”
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He has a strong track record in the playoffs. He has won 70% of his games, even with a defensive head coach that many of you did not favor. He has achieved seven consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins. I am sorry to say, but he has outperformed Patrick Mahomes for two consecutive years.”
