Jets lose another potential quarterback option for the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 quarterback class just got a little thinner, and as a result, the New York Jets now have one fewer option to consider. Another potential quarterback target is officially off the board, as South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers will reportedly return to school for his junior season in 2026.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Saturday that Sellers is nearing a deal to return to the school for his redshirt junior season and that the sides are expected to finalize a deal soon.

Sellers entered the 2025 season as one of the projected top quarterbacks in this year's draft. However, he struggled mightily at times this year in an underwhelming South Carolina offense, throwing 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while completing just over 60% of his passes.

His decision to return to school isn't exactly surprising, as most assumed he would stay, and some even expected a possible transfer. But it still removes a notable name from an already thin quarterback group in this year's draft.

Jets miss out on LaNorris Sellers as a quarterback option in 2026

At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Sellers has all the physical tools to be a high-level quarterback at the NFL level. Sellers broke out in 2024, earning FWAA Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and third-team All-SEC honors while helping South Carolina reach nine wins and finish No. 19 in the AP Top 25.

His 2025 season, however, was a different story. South Carolina fell to 4–8 with a 1–7 conference record, and while Sellers certainly had his struggles, the issues extended well beyond the quarterback position. The supporting cast, particularly an abysmal offensive line, played a major role in the team’s collapse.

Sellers' decision to return to South Carolina is likely the correct one for his development, but it doesn't ease any concerns the Jets might have about what is shaping up to be a razor-thin draft class.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza feels like a lock to declare and will be in the mix for the first overall pick, but outside of him, there are no certainties.

Oregon's Dante Moore could solidify himself as a top-five pick with a strong performance in the College Football Playoff, but at just 20 years old, many have believed he will return to school for another year as well.

Then there's Alabama's Ty Simpson, who not long ago was in the conversation for the top pick in the draft with Mendoza and Moore. However, his stock has fallen over the last month or two, and many expect the one-year starter to return to school along with Sellers.

This is not the year to target a quarterback early in the draft, especially with a 2027 class that could be loaded with top names such as Texas' Arch Manning, Ohio State's Julian Sayin, Notre Dame's C.J. Carr, and any of the players who don't declare this year.

Sellers' return to school felt inevitable, but his decision helps emphasize just how thin this quarterback class might be. The Jets have their work cut out for them.