Dak Prescott ranks No. 8 as SI unveils full 2026 QB rankings

Dak Prescott keeps hearing the same criticism year after year, but a fresh look at where he stands among his peers tells a different story.

Sports Illustrated released its 2026 NFL preseason quarterback rankings, and the Dallas Cowboys signal caller checked in at No. 8 overall.

It’s part of a top 10 that stretches from proven champions to a rising young star still chasing his first big moment.

Writer Matt Verderame put Prescott in elite company while also making a bold call for the Cowboys season ahead.

He wrote that Prescott “gets a ton of grief because the Cowboys haven’t reached the Super Bowl (or an NFC championship game) under his watch, and there’s some merit to that.”

Still, he added that Prescott has been the driving force behind much of Dallas’ success since he took over as the starter in 2016.

Prescott’s numbers back up ranking

Prescott threw for 4,552 yards last season with 30 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions. That kind of output isn’t new for him.

Two seasons earlier, he posted 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns with only nine picks and finished second in MVP voting that year.

Verderame pointed to Prescott’s weapons as a reason for real optimism heading into the year.

He wrote that with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens both stationed outside, Prescott now has arguably the best receiver tandem in the league, and he expects another big statistical season with a real shot at multiple playoff wins.

Dallas returns all 11 starters from last year’s offense, a group that includes Lamb, Pickens, tight end Jake Ferguson and a potential breakout option at receiver in Ryan Flournoy.

The Cowboys’ defense struggled through 2025 among the league’s worst units, so even modest improvement there could turn Verderame’s playoff prediction from bold to realistic.

Top 10 built on proven winners, rising talent

Prescott’s spot in the rankings comes inside a group loaded with championship pedigree and breakout potential.

Patrick Mahomes tops the list at No. 1 despite missing time last season with a torn ACL, still finishing sixth in the league in EPA.

Josh Allen sits at No. 2 as he chases his first ring under new coach Joe Brady, followed by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at No. 3 after a league-leading 46 touchdown season with the Rams.

Lamar Jackson holds down No. 4 on the strength of two MVP awards, and Joe Burrow rounds out the top five when he stays on the field.

Drake Maye jumps to No. 6 after leading the Patriots on an unexpected Super Bowl run, and Justin Herbert sits at No. 7, a talented passer still searching for his first playoff win.

Behind Prescott at No. 8, Jordan Love comes in at No. 9 as he tries to keep Green Bay’s offense afloat with less talent around him, and Trevor Lawrence rounds out the top 10 after catching fire late last season under coach Liam Coen.

Prescott’s reputation remains talking point

Prescott’s standing as one of the league’s most debated quarterbacks hasn’t gone away despite the production.

Critics still point to old losses, including a playoff game against the 49ers from four years back, as ammunition against him.

But with his supporting cast fully intact and a ranking that places him firmly among the league’s elite, 2026 gives Prescott another chance to quiet the doubters with results on the field.

Key takeaways

• Dak Prescott ranks No. 8 in SI’s 2026 NFL preseason quarterback rankings
• Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford lead the top three spots
• All 11 offensive starters return for Dallas, including CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens