Sam Darnold Captures ESPN’s 2026 QB Honor

Impressive 2025 Campaign

Sam Darnold delivered a breakout season for the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, posting 4,048 passing yards and a 67.7 percent completion rate. His play helped Seattle capture the Super Bowl, marking a championship triumph after a period of struggle. The numbers reflect a clear two‑year bounce‑back, with analysts labeling his performance as “lights‑out” throughout the year. Executives from an AFC team praised his resurgence, noting the dramatic shift in his career trajectory.

Recognition at ESPN

When ESPN released its 2026 quarterback rankings, Darnold earned an honorable mention but missed the cut for the top‑10 list. The voting pool of league executives, coaches and scouts did not include his name, even though his on‑field stats warranted consideration. An AFC official commented, “What a career bounce back. He’s been lights‑out for two years. Deserves to be in the top 10,” underscoring the gap between perception and performance. This honor makes Darnold the latest Seahawks quarterback to appear on ESPN’s annual positional honors.

Looking Toward 2026

The acknowledgment provides Darnold a platform to build on a season that combined 4,000‑yard production with a Super Bowl title. He enters the upcoming campaign as a confident champion eager to improve his standing in future rankings. Analysts predict continued upward momentum, expecting him to push for a spot among the Elite 10 quarterbacks next year. As the Seahawks prepare for another push, Darnold’s 2025 resurgence is poised to remain a cornerstone of their ambitions.