Patrick Mahomes is no longer ESPN's top-ranked quarterback entering the 2026 season. After holding the No. 1 spot for three consecutive years, the Kansas City Chiefs star was edged out by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in ESPN's annual survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

According to Jeremy Fowler, Allen earned more overall support across the league, although Mahomes still received the most first-place votes.

"He's the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game," one NFL general manager said of Allen.

The executive also pointed to Allen's improved ball security over the past two seasons, while coaches praised his ability to elevate teammates and thrive within Joe Brady's offense.

Mahomes, meanwhile, finished second. One quarterback's coach still emphasized the respect he commands around the league, as reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback -- gives you a shot in every game," the coach said.

Despite slipping to No. 2, Mahomes received the most first-place votes in the survey.

Fowler also noted that his average ranking narrowly trailed Allen's, while several evaluators cited Kansas City's inconsistent supporting cast and Mahomes' season-ending knee injury as factors that affected his overall production.

The discussion surrounding Mahomes didn't end with where he landed in the rankings.

Why Mahomes' ranking is drawing debate

According to Sports Illustrated's Jordan Foote, Mahomes' placement has become one of the biggest offseason talking points because of how differently evaluators viewed the Chiefs quarterback. While he ultimately finished second, one ballot ranked him as low as ninth.

Foote pointed out that Mahomes continued producing despite dealing with injuries around him and playing behind an offense that struggled for consistency. 

He also noted that the quarterback remained one of the league's more efficient players before suffering his ACL injury. 

The ESPN survey also reflected that split in opinion. One defensive coach said Mahomes held onto the ball too long and forced too many throws before his injury. 

The coach also added that Kansas City likely would have won only a few games without him.

Mahomes is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, giving him an immediate opportunity to respond after losing the No. 1 spot.

Whether Allen's rise marks a changing of the guard or merely a one-year shift will become one of the league's biggest storylines once training camp begins.

What do you think of a Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes scenario? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey