The Jets preseason hero who could finally earn a roster spot in 2026

There's an annual summer tradition where New York Jets fans adopt their favorite undrafted wide receiver as their training camp darling. Last year, there were two clear favorites. One was Jamaal Pritchet, who we've already touched on in an earlier article. The other was Quentin Skinner.

Day 17 of your 2026 New York Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Jayhawk Jump Ball Specialist, the Lawrence Leviathan (apologies, I started this bit a while ago, and now I'm stuck doing it), and the other 2025 training camp darling. It's Quentin Skinner.

Unlike some of the other young receivers fighting for a spot on this roster, Skinner already has a year with the Jets under his belt. That alone could give him a leg up as he looks to turn a strong preseason showing from a year ago into a legitimate push for a roster spot this year.

1. Where Quentin Skinner stands entering Jets training camp
2. Why Quentin Skinner remains one of the Jets' most intriguing young receivers
3. What would make 2026 a success for Quentin Skinner
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Quentin Skinner stands entering Jets training camp

The Jets' top four wide receiver spots appear pretty much settled entering camp. Garrett Wilson remains the focal point of the passing game. Adonai Mitchell is projected to start opposite him. First-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. is expected to have an immediate role, while veteran Tim Patrick provides experienced depth behind the starters.

But things get a little bit murkier after that. Isaiah Williams should have an inside track to a roster spot because of his value as a returner, but there is still room for competition near the bottom of the depth chart.

Arian Smith remains one of the more polarizing players on the roster after a highly disappointing rookie season, while undrafted rookies like Malik McClain, Caullin Lacy, and DT Sheffield will all be looking to make their own cases.

Skinner will have an opportunity of his own. He's already spent a year in the system. The coaching staff knows him. He's already spent time developing on the practice squad and even made his NFL debut in the final game of last season, recording the first catch of his professional career.

It won't be easy, but there is at least a semi-realistic path to Skinner finding his way onto the Jets' 53-man roster this September.

Why Quentin Skinner remains one of the Jets' most intriguing young receivers

The biggest reason Jets fans became attached to Skinner last summer was simple. The guy just made plays, didn't he?

Skinner led the Jets in preseason receiving with eight catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. He quickly built a cult following thanks to a series of highlight-reel grabs, including a spectacular leaping catch against the Packers and a one-handed touchdown against the Giants that became one of the best plays of the Jets' entire preseason.

What makes Skinner particularly interesting is that his game looks different than many of the other receivers competing for roster spots. Skinner is a true outside vertical threat who wins down the field, a stark contrast to the many undersized slot receivers and return specialists fighting for opportunities elsewhere on the roster.

Skinner never posted huge volume numbers during his three years at Kansas, but when he touched the football, good things tended to happen. He averaged an absurd 19.8 yards per catch in his college career and led the nation with 22.3 yards per reception during his final season in 2024.

While Skinner only ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, he plays faster than that. His long strides allow him to stack defensive backs and create separation downfield, making him a legitimate big-play threat whenever the ball is in the air.

He occupies a similar role to fellow undrafted receiver Malik McClain. Both are bigger-bodied outside receivers with intriguing physical tools who are still trying to put everything together. The difference is that Skinner already has a year of NFL experience under his belt.

What would make 2026 a success for Quentin Skinner

For some of the Jets' young undrafted receivers, success this summer might simply mean earning a practice squad spot. Skinner should be aiming higher. He has a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster.

That doesn't mean he's guaranteed to make the team coming out of the summer — far from it, in fact. After all, there are only so many spots available, and guys like Williams and Smith likely have the early edge.

But unlike some of the other developmental receivers on the roster, Skinner has already shown he can produce against NFL competition, even if it came during the preseason. He has already somewhat earned the trust of the coaching staff.

The next step is proving he belongs on Sundays. If Skinner can build on the momentum he created last summer and continue flashing as a downfield playmaker, he has a legitimate chance to push for one of the final receiver spots on the roster.

A year ago, Quentin Skinner became a preseason favorite. This summer, he has a chance to firmly establish himself as an NFL wide receiver.

Previous editions of the Jets Camp Countdown series can be found below.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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