Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos quarterback, has a chip on his shoulder heading into the 2026 NFL season after being snubbed from ESPN's Top-10 quarterback rankings.

What happened?

Nix, who led the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game in 2025, was left out of ESPN's Top-10 quarterback rankings despite throwing for 3,931 yards (8th-most) and 25 passing touchdowns (tied-9th-most) in the 2025 season. He also led seven game-winning drives (most among NFL quarterbacks) but was unable to play in the AFC title game himself due to a fractured ankle.

Why it matters for Bo Nix

The snub from ESPN's rankings has given Nix even more motivation to prove himself in the 2026 season. He is viewed behind other quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft class by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, but he has helped lead his team to the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns. His 63 total touchdowns over the last two seasons are the most among that group by more than 10.

What comes next?

Nix will have to earn his respect during the 2026 NFL season. He is in control of his own football legacy, and he's got plenty of opportunities to prove himself in 2026 and beyond. The Broncos still boast one of the best defenses in football, and Nix will have to use his skills to overcome the doubts of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

The uncertainty surrounding his ankle injury may have weighed into the vote, but the reality simply might be that Nix is vastly underrated by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. If we're to consider honorable mentions in order of appearance as rankings, Nix is the 18th-best quarterback in the NFL. That's surely something that will motivate Nix as he returns from injury to play.

Nix has helped lead his team to the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns, while Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye have only led their teams to the playoffs once in that span. His 24 regular-season wins over two seasons are seven more than the next closest (Maye, 17). Maybe it was the uncertainty about the ankle injury. Perhaps it was the fact that the Broncos still boast one of the best defenses in football. Ultimately, Nix will have to prove naysayers wrong on the football field.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports.