​ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings once again ignite debate, and this year is no exception. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott landed at No. 6 on the outlet’s most recent list, a placement that some may view as a slight even as it underlines Prescott’s standing as one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive signal-callers heading into the 2026 season. The ranking comes off the back of a strong 2025 campaign in which Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, the third-most in the league. He also delivered 30 touchdown passes, the fourth-most in the NFL, and finished with a 70.2 QBR that ranked fifth-best. Prescott’s ability to run the Cowboys’ offense, spread the ball to a variety of playmakers, and minimize mistakes remains a defining element of his game. “He’s a true, acute progression passer,” one NFL coordinator said. “There are only so many of those types. He can read the whole field, from pre- to post-snap. He’s just really a good commander of the offense.”
ESPN’s voters placed Bills quarterback Josh Allen at the top, followed by Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. In third was Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford, with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow taking the fourth spot. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson rounded out the top five, a grouping that is certain to spark ongoing discussion. For context, ESPN’s rankings are compiled from a panel of league executives, coaches, and scouts and reflect who is regarded as the best right now, not a legacy award nor a projection for the next five years.
Prescott’s best ranking on the list is third, though at times he has appeared unranked. Still, he was on nearly 75 percent of the ballots, marking a notable jump from last season, when he did not appear on the list at all. In comparison to the top five, Prescott threw for more yards and more touchdowns than everyone except Stafford. While Burrow and Jackson missed significant time due to injuries, Prescott threw fewer interceptions than Mahomes and matched Allen with 10 picks. Prescott has long carried the weight of expectations that come with leading the league’s most watched franchise. If he can translate his regular-season success into postseason success, there’s little doubt he could climb higher on future rankings. As Dallas anticipates a deep playoff run in 2026, Prescott’s No. 6 position may reflect not only where he stands now but also how high his ceiling could still be.
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