The NFL quarterback landscape has shifted. There’s a new elite that mainstream narratives fail to acknowledge. While the “experts” are busy re-ranking the 2024 draft class after they already missed massively on Bo Nix as a prospect, the changing of the guard might’ve already happened. In the latest YouTube video from Wolf Sports, we reveal our top NFL franchise quarterbacks for the 2026 season. We break down why Nix and Caleb Williams have leaped into elite territory—partly due to veterans like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes dealing with injuries—and Josh Allen remaining the No. 1 player to build around in 2026. Don’t worry about consensus groupthink—this is the new elite.
Bo Nix and Caleb Williams
The focus of the video is on Nix and Bears star Caleb Williams. Entering Year 3, both have already vaulted into the top-tier franchise quarterback discussion. From high-level skillsets to tremendous production to being incredibly clutch, Nix and Williams are the perfect style of quarterbacks to build around in today’s NFL. Among the 2024 draft class, we have them at the top, with Jayden Daniels—who can hopefully stay healthier—behind them at No. 3.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is coming off an awesome regular season against one of the easiest schedules of all-time and a down postseason, but he’s just 23 years old as he looks to cut down on some of the negative plays like taking sacks and turning the ball over. He has a case for a spot in the top 12 franchise quarterback rankings for 2026, but we have Nix, Williams, and Daniels as the top three from the class.
Also from the 2024 draft class, Michael Penix Jr. has arm talent but unfortunately has dealt with a ton of injuries dating back to his college career; and J.J. McCarthy is in about the best situation possible with the Vikings but has shown some of the issues that made him a bit of a surprise pick at No. 10 two years ago.
Josh Allen at No. 1
Bills superstar Josh Allen remains the top franchise player in the NFL for 2026. He does so much for Buffalo, carrying offenses like no other player in the league. Football is a team sport, and Allen has done enough on an individual basis—as one of the best performers in history both in the regular season and postseason—to win a Super Bowl.
The full rankings
Where do obvious franchise quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson land? Does someone like 49ers playmaker Brock Purdy make the rankings? Order can vary, but it’s fun to debate. What’s clear is that Nix and Williams do not get close to enough respect—yet.
Watch the full video on YouTube, and subscribe to Wolf Sports on YouTube for more content like this.