INDIANAPOLIS — When the game clock winds down and a touchdown is desperately needed, NFL prospects in the 2026 draft overwhelmingly trust Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback to lead the comeback. This conclusion came from a recent NFL Combine Survey involving 42 prospects, highlighting Mahomes once again as the top choice for clutch quarterback situations.
Mahomes’ dominance in this category is consistent, having topped this survey in similar exercises conducted in 2022 and 2025. His reputation as a clutch quarterback is well-earned through numerous late-game comebacks, setting him apart from both his peers and rising talents.
Survey Reveals Strong Preference for Mahomes Among Top Quarterbacks
Among the 2026 draft class, 15 prospects selected Mahomes as the most reliable quarterback to turn to in game-deciding moments. One prospect commented,
“It’s hard not to say Patrick Mahomes.”
Mahomes ranks eighth in career fourth-quarter comebacks, with 20 such victories, the highest for any quarterback drafted since 2013. This record underscores his ability to perform under pressure and deliver results when they matter most.
The second most popular choice was Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, who earned eight votes. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, has recorded 11 fourth-quarter comebacks throughout his career. His performance under pressure remains impressive, though notably fewer prospects favored him over Mahomes.
Other Notable Quarterbacks in the Clutch Quarterback Survey
Following Jackson, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen garnered five votes after securing six game-winning drives in the previous season, including postseason games. Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams received four votes, credited for his remarkable comeback performances and a memorable fourth-down touchdown pass in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Matthew Stafford of the Rams was recognized by three prospects, partially due to his MVP season and his 39 fourth-quarter comeback wins—the fourth-most in NFL history and the highest among active players. Other quarterbacks with single votes include Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Varied Perspectives Among Some Players on Quarterback Trust
Three prospects chose not to name a specific quarterback. One remarked,
“the quarterback that coach puts out there that he trusts to go out there and execute the job. That’s the quarterback we’re standing with. Whoever coach puts out there.”
Another avoided the question entirely, while a different player shared a more unconventional focus, saying,
“I’m more so into hitting quarterbacks.”
Implications of Survey Results for Draft and Team Strategies
The survey results reinforce Patrick Mahomes’ status as the benchmark for clutch quarterbacks among emerging NFL talent, indicating that his leadership in high-pressure moments continues to set the standard. For teams evaluating quarterback prospects or building rosters, understanding which athletes admire or emulate Mahomes’ late-game prowess could influence scouting and coaching approaches. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, these insights may shape how teams weigh intangible qualities like poise and execution in critical game situations.
