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Patrick Mahomes has held the title of the NFL’s top quarterback for years, but ESPN’s latest rankings suggest there is a new No. 1. That decision has sparked plenty of debate among fans.
More than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts voted in ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings, with Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen narrowly edging Mahomes for the top spot. Speaking on First Take, Stephen A. Smith agreed with the result.
“I think for the time being you can say yes, because I think that Josh Allen has proven to be an absolute stud,” Smith said.
Allen finished with an average ranking of 2.10, while Mahomes came in at 2.19 despite receiving more first-place votes.
In a recent episode of First Take, Smith also pointed to the circumstances surrounding Mahomes’ 2025 season.
“Patrick Mahomes is coming off an injury and a relatively subpar season, to his standards, primarily not his fault,” he added.
Smith believes Allen’s recent production gives him the edge entering the 2026 season. Smith acknowledged that Allen still owns a 0-4 playoff record against Mahomes but said it does not change his opinion of the Bills quarterback.
“The bottom line is he’s proven to be a stud,” Smith said.
He also praised Buffalo’s supporting cast, mentioning the addition of DJ Moore before concluding with another strong endorsement.
“Josh Allen is that dude. He’s an absolute stud. Make no mistake about it,” Smith concluded.
Smith’s comments quickly made the rounds on social media, where many fans argued that Mahomes’ postseason resume still makes him the league’s best quarterback despite Allen’s impressive regular-season success.
NFL fans defend Patrick Mahomes after Stephen A. Smith’s ranking
Many fans reacted after First Take shared Smith’s comments on X on July 20. While some fans acknowledged Allen’s regular-season success, many said Patrick Mahomes’ postseason record still puts him on top.
One fan pointed to Mahomes’ playoff success and questioned the comparison.
“If Josh Allen is ‘that dude’ and a ‘stud’ with no championships, can’t win the big game head-to-head against Mahomes, or when he’s injured, then what does that make Patrick Mahomes?” the fan wrote.
Another fan felt Mahomes’ resume speaks for itself.
“We really live in a time where a guy that’s NEVER seen a Super Bowl is being placed over a guy that’s been to several Super Bowls and has Super Bowl MVPs (Mahomes),” the fan wrote.
Others compared the debate to the early years of Tom Brady’s career.
“Heard the same thing with Brady. First it was Peyton who was ‘better’, then it was Rodgers. Until Allen gets a couple of rings, it’s not even a conversation,” another fan wrote.
Not every fan agreed, but many believed Mahomes’ playoff success still separates him from the rest. One fan felt the Bills quarterback has achieved plenty despite having a less talented group of receivers.
“I feel like Josh Allen doesn’t have the receivers Mahomes got, but they both are nice,” a fan wrote.
Still, the overwhelming reaction centered on one point. Many fans believe Mahomes’ postseason success continues to separate him from every other quarterback, regardless of where preseason rankings place him entering the 2026 season.
Do you think the latest rankings posted by ESPN are accurate? Let us know in the comments!
