Dak Prescott Gets Snubbed in ESPN QB Rankings — And Cowboys Fans Aren’t Happy
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2025–26 NFL season, there’s a renewed sense of hope. With Brian Schottenheimer stepping in as head coach and quarterback Dak Prescott returning healthy after a season-ending injury last year, the team looks to rebound after a tough season.
Prescott has consistently put up solid numbers throughout his career, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made that clear by investing heavily in his contract. But being sidelined last season has clearly impacted how some view his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. This was made especially clear in ESPN’s latest quarterback rankings, where Prescott didn’t even crack the top 10.
ESPN’s QB Ranking Leaves Prescott Out
The ranking, compiled by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, asked NFL coaches, executives, and scouts to name the top quarterbacks heading into the new season. While Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs held onto the No. 1 spot, and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills followed close behind, Prescott was nowhere to be found — not even in the honorable mentions.
Instead, he was listed in the “also receiving votes” category, which many fans and analysts view as a snub for a player of his caliber.
Why the Snub Hurts
It’s no surprise Mahomes continues to top the list, but the growing competition is real. According to Fowler, Mahomes’ grip on the No. 1 ranking is “loosening slightly,” with just 60% of the first-place votes this year — far fewer than last season, when he nearly swept the voting.
Other rising stars like Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles also made the list, adding more sting to Prescott’s omission. Especially considering that Daniels and Hurts faced off in the NFC Championship Game last season, their inclusion makes sense — but the wide gap between them and Prescott raised some eyebrows.
The Bigger Picture
Prescott’s absence from the list may reflect concerns over his durability or Dallas’ coaching situation under Schottenheimer. But some analysts argue that the criticism is too harsh. In a piece published on July 15 in The Laundry Hat, writer Mike Luciano addressed the snub head-on:
“There’s nothing necessarily wrong with putting Daniels and Hurts ahead of Prescott after their NFC Championship appearance, but the gap between those two and Dak can’t be as wide as it is,” he wrote.
“After all, Daniels could end up being a one-hit wonder.”
Luciano also pointed out that while Washington and Philadelphia are gearing up for championship runs, the Cowboys are still struggling with an unpopular coach and lingering doubts about Prescott’s future.
A Motivated Comeback?
Despite the ranking, Dak Prescott remains focused and determined. He’s been training hard during the off-season, and all signs point to him returning stronger than ever. For fans, ESPN’s list might feel like an insult — but for Prescott, it may be the fuel he needs to prove the doubters wrong.
One thing is certain: Dak will have every opportunity this season to show he belongs among the NFL’s elite. And if history is any indication, he’s not one to stay quiet for long.
