The NFL offseason is in full swing, but Colin Cowherd isn't waiting for training camp to stir the pot. The FS1 host dropped his latest top 10 quarterback rankings on Wednesday's episode of The Herd, and the reaction has been nothing short of explosive.
Cowherd's list, based on production, durability, and career momentum, places Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen at the pinnacle, ahead of Kansas City Chiefs legend Patrick Mahomes. “I’m sorry, folks, he’s been better than Mahomes for two straight years,” Cowherd declared, defending his choice. He also pointed to Allen's playoff performance and a 70% win rate under a defensive-minded coach that many fans don't appreciate.
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising pick is Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 3, leapfrogging proven veterans and superstars alike. The full list reads: 1. Josh Allen, 2. Patrick Mahomes, 3. Caleb Williams, 4. Justin Herbert, 5. Matthew Stafford, 6. Joe Burrow, 7. Lamar Jackson, 8. Drake Maye, 9. Jared Goff, 10. Sam Darnold.
Social media erupted almost instantly. One fan called it “an all-time horrible Cowherd segment,” while another accused the host of bias, writing, “How is Josh Allen number one after a 5 turnover game? Caleb and Justin better than Lamar? Colin is a racist.” Others questioned Justin Herbert's placement at No. 4, with one commenter insisting, “He’s 10 at best.”
The debate isn't just about who's on the list—it's also about who's left off. Cowherd notably excluded Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, and Dak Prescott. That omission, particularly of Hurts and Love, has drawn sharp criticism from fans who see those players as top-tier talents.
Cowherd's rankings come amid a broader conversation about quarterback value and expectations. The list also echoes his recent comments about Notre Dame and USC, showing his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Meanwhile, the NFL landscape continues to shift, with teams like the Chiefs upgrading Arrowhead Stadium for the 2026 World Cup, signaling their long-term commitment to excellence.
Cowherd is no stranger to controversy, and this list seems designed to fuel discussion. As the offseason progresses, expect him to tweak his rankings—after all, he loves keeping the NFL community buzzing. Whether you agree or disagree, one thing's certain: the quarterback hierarchy is far from settled.
