Colin Cowherd Predicts Caleb Williams Could Be NFL's Best QB by 2026

The sports commentator believes the Chicago Bears quarterback has a chance to surpass Patrick Mahomes as the league's top signal-caller.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sports commentator Colin Cowherd has made a bold prediction that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams could be the best quarterback in the NFL by the 2026 season. Cowherd cited Williams' impressive stats from his rookie year, including the second-most "Big Time Throws" and the longest completion in the league, as well as his durability in not missing a single game. Cowherd believes Williams' low salary compared to other top QBs like Lamar Jackson gives the Bears an advantage, and that if Williams can find more consistent success in 2026, he could surpass Patrick Mahomes as the league's top signal-caller.

Why it matters

This prediction is significant because Cowherd was previously highly critical of Williams and the Bears, calling their pairing a "disastrous first date." If Williams is able to live up to Cowherd's new lofty expectations, it would represent a remarkable turnaround for the young quarterback and the Bears franchise.

The details

Cowherd pointed to several key stats and factors that support his prediction, including Williams' league-leading low interception rate, his ability to make "Big Time Throws," and his durability in not missing a single game so far in his NFL career. Cowherd also highlighted the financial advantage the Bears have with Williams still on his rookie deal, taking up just 3.5% of their salary cap, compared to players like Lamar Jackson whose contract accounts for over 25% of the Ravens' cap.

  • In the 2025 offseason, Cowherd frequently cast doubt on Williams' fit with the Bears on his radio show.
  • Just two weeks ago, Cowherd ranked the Bears at No. 4 in his 2026 NFL team rankings.
  • Cowherd is now predicting that Caleb Williams has a very real chance of being the best quarterback in the NFL by Labor Day weekend of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Colin Cowherd

A sports commentator who hosts the radio show "The Herd" and is known for his bold predictions and analysis of the NFL.

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' young quarterback who had a chaotic rookie season in 2025 but is now being predicted to potentially become the best QB in the NFL by 2026.

Ben Johnson

The new head coach of the Chicago Bears, who will be tasked with helping Caleb Williams reach his full potential.

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback, who is currently considered one of the best in the NFL and whom Cowherd believes Williams could surpass by 2026.

Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback whose large contract, taking up over 25% of the team's salary cap, is used by Cowherd to highlight the financial advantage the Bears have with Williams still on his rookie deal.

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What they’re saying

“I don't care about resume. I'm not into past celebrations or past failures. I'm into projecting 2026 Labor Day Weekend. Is Caleb the best quarterback in the league?”

— Colin Cowherd (Twitter)

What’s next

If Caleb Williams is able to build on his impressive rookie season and help the Chicago Bears win their second Lombardi Trophy in 2026, Cowherd's prediction that he will be the best quarterback in the NFL by that point could become a reality.

The takeaway

Cowherd's dramatic shift in his assessment of Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears highlights the volatility and unpredictability of the NFL, where a player's fortunes can change rapidly. Williams' potential ascension to the top of the league would represent a remarkable turnaround for both the player and the franchise.