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The New York Jets need a quarterback. They also have five first-round picks in the next two years. If there were ever a time to finally find a long-term solution at the position, it's 2026 or 2027.
Of course, that doesn't mean the Jets are going to have a franchise quarterback fall into their lap. There is no generational, "can't-miss" quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft. The outlook in 2027 is similar, though there is much more uncertainty so far into the future.
The lack of an elite prospect doesn't mean franchise quarterbacks can't be found in 2026 or 2027, either. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes weren't top-five picks, but they turned into superstars. By acquiring additional first-round picks in deals for Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the Jets are loading up on ammo and betting that they can identify the right player to lead their franchise.
MORE: Every trade made before 2025 deadline
So, who could that player be? Here are the top eight quarterback options for the Jets in 2026 and 2027 as they take set their sights on a quarterback.
MORE: Breaking down Jets' draft picks for 2026, 2027
8. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
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Sam Leavitt is almost certainly returning to play one more season at the collegiate level in 2026 after seeing his 2025 season cut short by an injury, but he could develop into a legitimate first-round prospect with one more strong season.
Leavitt didn't get the same level of attention as Cam Skattebo in 2024, but he threw for 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions as Arizona State surprisingly won the Big 12 and reached the College Football Playoff. The former Michigan State QB is still on the younger side, as he will be 21 for the entirety of the 2026 season, so there is room for growth once he's fully healthy.
Whether the Jets want to wait until the 2027 draft to select a quarterback comes down to where they are picking in 2026 and what they think of the class. If they choose to wait, the potential of someone like Leavitt could be part of the reason why.
MORE: Why did the Jets trade Sauce Gardner?
7. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
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LSU's Garrett Nussmeier was considered a contender for the No. 1 pick when the 2025 season began, but the year just hasn't played out the way he or the Tigers envisioned. LSU's offense has been sluggish, never scoring more than 25 points against an FBS opponent, and Nussmeier has only three multi-touchdown games through the air.
There is still a window for Nussmeier to rebuild his stock. His accuracy is still viewed highly, and he spent at least a portion of the season playing through an abdominal injury. A strong finish to the season after Brian Kelly's firing could allow Nussmeier's camp to pin most of the blame on the coaching staff and put scouts back in his corner.
Nussmeier is out of eligibility after the 2025 season, so he would only be an option in the 2026 draft.
MORE: Grading the Sauce Gardner trade
6. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Like Nussmeier, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers had his share of fans who believed he was the best quarterback in the 2026 draft class. Instead, he hasn't looked anything like the dual-threat star many thought he could be.
Sellers is built well and can run right through defenses, all while possessing terrific arm strength in a way that resembles NFL starters. In 2025, though, he is averaging less than one touchdown pass per game, has seen his completion rate drop and just isn't making the same impact on the ground as he was in 2024.
Some of the blame can go to an all-around broken Gamecocks offense under Shane Beamer, but how much? The best path for Sellers may be to play one more season at the collegiate level in a better situation and try to rebuild his stock for 2027. If he does find the right situation, it wouldn't be surprising to see his outlook rise again.
MORE: Grading the Quinnen Williams trade
5. Darian Mensah, Duke
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Duke's Darian Mensah is the NFL prospect few are talking about but scouts may fall in love with.
The former Tulane quarterback is only a redshirt sophomore and doesn't turn 21 until January, but he has played above his experience level in his first season at Duke, leading the ACC with 2,572 yards and 21 touchdowns through eight games. Mensah has thrown only two interceptions all season, and he was similarly effective as a first-time starter with the Green Wave in 2024.
In the NIL era, Mensah might not be guaranteed to enter the 2026 draft. While he has a chance to be a high draft pick at this rate, a return to school could earn him plenty of money next season and put him in position to be a premier prospect in 2027. At the same time, Nussmeier, Drew Allar and other quarterbacks are a cautionary tale of what can happen if you don't strike while the iron is hot.
MORE: Why Jets decided to move Quinnen Williams to Cowboys
4. Arch Manning, Texas
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Don't look now, but Arch Manning may be rebuilding his NFL Draft stock after a rough start to the season.
Manning impressed in Texas wins over Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, throwing for three touchdowns and more than 300 yards in each, and his confidence appears to be the highest it's been with the Longhorns. The tools that made Manning a potential No. 1 pick are still there. Could a strong finish to the season put him right back in that position?
The burning question is still whether Manning would consider entering the draft in 2026. His grandfather, former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, said in August that his grandson would return to Texas in 2026. While he had to withdraw that statement, there is no doubt Manning has a legitimate chance of staying in school given his early-season struggles and the giant NIL figure likely available to him.
MORE: How Quinnen Williams fits into Cowboys defense
3. Dante Moore, Oregon
A former five-star recruit, Dante Moore has matched and perhaps exceeded high expectations at Oregon in 2025. Will that be enough to make himself a contender for the No. 1 pick?
Moore doesn't wow in the arm strength department, but he is a sound decision-maker and has taken what defenses have given him at Oregon while limiting turnovers. NFL scouts may want to see more of a sample size before they invest a premier draft pick, but Moore looks like he's capable of starting at the next level while not even turning 21 until after the draft.
MORE: Complete NFL trade deadline grades
2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Are NFL scouts Fernando Mendoza believers? It may take more time before Mendoza solidifies himself as a potential high first-round pick in April, but he has impressed in his first season at Indiana.
The California transfer leads the Big Ten in touchdown passes through nine games and has flashed impressive accuracy after completing just under 69 percent of passes with the Golden Bears in 2024. Mendoza has a sturdy frame and terrific arm strength, and he has cut down on turnovers since his college career began.
If Mendoza finishes the season as strong as he started it, he is in line to be a contender for a top-five pick and on the Jets' radar.
MORE: What to know about Indiana's Fernando Mendoza
1. Ty Simpson, Alabama
Speaking of players with limited sample sizes, Ty Simpson sat for three years at Alabama before getting his chance after Jalen Milroe's departure. He has passed the test with flying colors, throwing for 2,184 yards and 20 touchdowns to just one interception over his first eight games.
Simpson's success doesn't look like it's just the product of a talented offense, particularly when he is going up against some of the nation's best defenses in the SEC. He passes the eye test, getting the ball out quickly and making smart decisions. Simpson may not blow anyone away in one particular area, but he doesn't have many true weaknesses outside of questions about sample size and somewhat of a thin frame.
If he keeps playing as well as he's played against tough competition, Simpson could position himself as the top quarterback in the 2026 draft.
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