Stephen A. Smith believes Josh Allen deserves to be ranked as the NFL‘s best quarterback entering the 2026 season after ESPN’s latest executive poll.
Allen replaced Patrick Mahomes atop ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings, ending Mahomes’ three-year hold on the No. 1 spot.
More than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts voted in the survey. Allen earned the better average ranking, 2.10 compared to Mahomes’ 2.19, despite receiving fewer first-place votes.
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Speaking on First Take, Smith supported the outcome, saying, “I think for the time being you can say yes, because I think that Josh Allen has proven to be an absolute stud.”
Smith also acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Mahomes’ slight drop. He said, “Patrick Mahomes is coming off an injury and a relatively subpar season, to his standards, primarily not his fault.”
Mahomes dealt with injuries around him throughout the year. Smith added, “You got to get him the weapons. You had guys that weren’t available due to one reason or another.”
Allen, meanwhile, guided Buffalo to a 12-5 record in 2025. He threw for 3,668 yards, rushed for 579 more and accounted for 39 total touchdowns.
The Bills also led the NFL in rushing offense while allowing the fewest passing yards per game. Allen finished third in MVP voting and earned another Pro Bowl selection.
Josh Allen still has one hurdle to clear
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks on during an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Smith praised Allen’s consistency while recognizing one statistic that continues to follow him. He said, “Even though he’s 0-4 in the postseason against Patrick Mahomes head-to-head, we get all of that part.”
Despite that playoff record, Smith never questioned Allen’s talent, saying, “The bottom line is he’s proven to be a stud.”
Smith also highlighted Buffalo’s improved supporting cast.
“They’ve got DJ Moore coming in now, who’s got something to prove after subpar back-to-back seasons in Chicago,” Smith said. “You still got Cook. Obviously, you got some other weapons available to you.”
And then he finished with a clear endorsement. He said, “Josh Allen is that dude. He’s an absolute stud. Make no mistake about it.”
The debate reflects current form rather than career accomplishments. Mahomes remains the league’s postseason standard, but Allen’s recent production convinced league evaluators he deserves the top spot entering 2026.
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The next step is obvious. Allen now carries the expectations that come with being considered the NFL’s best quarterback.