5 quarterbacks the Jets can still draft after the Dante Moore disaster

The New York Jets’ quarterback plans were derailed on Wednesday when Dante Moore stunned many by opting to return to Oregon for another season, removing himself from a draft class in which he was viewed as a likely top-two pick.

It was a frustrating setback for a Jets team that many believed was eyeing Moore in this year's draft. Now, the Jets must set their sights on other quarterback options this offseason, but that doesn't mean they need to leave the draft empty-handed.

With Moore off the board, the Jets are now operating without a clear path at the top of the draft. Selecting a quarterback at No. 2 suddenly looks unlikely, but the door isn’t completely shut.

Armed with additional picks at No. 16, 33, and 44, the Jets still have opportunities to take a swing later in the first round or on Day 2. The situation is far from ideal, but all hope isn’t gone just yet.

Quarterbacks the Jets could target in the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Ty Simpson (Alabama)

Perhaps no quarterback is set to benefit more from Moore's decision to return to Oregon than Alabama's Ty Simpson, who likely becomes the consensus QB2 in this year's class. While Simpson is unlikely to garner top-five consideration, he absolutely could be in play for the Jets at No. 16 overall.

Simpson started just one year at Alabama and regressed down the stretch, but he managed to flash NFL-caliber arm talent, decision-making, and processing skills despite playing in an Alabama offense that did him no favors.

The Crimson Tide had a nonexistent running back, a shoddy offensive line, and a receiving corps that led the SEC in drops. Simpson could very much be in the conversation for the Jets at pick No. 16 and is likely the best non-Fernando Mendoza quarterback remaining in this class.

2. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Garrett Nussmeier entered the 2025 college season as arguably the top quarterback in the nation and was widely seen as a potential top-five pick. Unfortunately, like many others in this class, his stock plummeted following a highly disappointing campaign.

Nussmeier started just nine games as he battled various injuries, finishing the year with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That said, it's fair to wonder just how much his injury — a core muscle issue — affected his performance.

Nussmeier will be a popular name for fans who put more stock into his healthy 2024 tape, and unlike some of the others in this class, he has multiple years as a starter and 40 total games under his belt. He's someone to watch early on Day 2.

3. Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)

You could make an argument that Trinidad Chambliss was the second-best quarterback in college football this season. The Ferris State transfer was outstanding for Ole Miss in 2025, finishing with 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions, adding eight more touchdowns on the ground.

Unfortunately, physical limitations will likely define much of Chambliss’ scouting report. He is listed at a generous 6-foot, 200 pounds and could measure in smaller at the NFL Combine. He also lacks elite arm talent, and while he is an exciting athlete, he doesn’t possess the kind of rare, game-breaking athleticism that separates quarterbacks at the next level.

Chambliss is a great story and an intriguing prospect who may have more room to rise during the pre-draft process than any quarterback in this class. Still, his current limitations likely place him in Day 2 territory for the Jets, at least for now.

4. Carson Beck (Georgia)

If you're looking for a college quarterback who did a lot of winning, Carson Beck should be near the top of your list. The former Georgia star transferred to Miami this season and went on to lead his team to the National Championship Game.

He is now 37–5 as a college starter, including a 16–3 record against ranked opponents. Beck has the requisite arm talent and enough athleticism to project as an NFL quarterback, but his struggles under pressure and tendency to turn the ball over make him a tough sell as a top-50 pick.

The 23-year-old could raise his stock with a strong performance in Monday’s game and will have plenty of evaluators watching, but he still profiles as a Day 2 option at best for the Jets.

5. Drew Allar (Penn State)

Drew Allar is one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in this year’s draft. The Penn State standout had a real chance to be a top-five pick in 2025 before ultimately returning to school, where nearly everything that could go wrong seemed to do just that.

Allar took a noticeable step back in his six starts this season before a broken ankle prematurely ended his collegiate career. In many ways, he’s become a cautionary example of why quarterbacks are often advised to strike while the iron is hot — cough Dante Moore cough.

Some team — potentially the Jets — will likely take a swing on Allar’s sky-high upside and undeniable physical tools, but he remains a long way from being ready for meaningful NFL reps, even before factoring in the impact of his injury.