Jets fans must start watching these (non-Arch Manning) 2026 NFL Draft QBs

The NY Jets might be rolling with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback ahead after choosing to sign him to a two-year contract in the offseason, but they could be looking to pick one up in the 2026 NFL Draft if Aaron Glenn's first season in charge of the Jets brings more losses than wins.

While Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been regarded by many as the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall, the combination if his extremely limited supply of tape in college and the fact his family has a history of trying to avoid being drafted by the Jets could make it very unlikely that he is under center in 2026.

Even if Manning is removed from the equation, a 2026 quarterback class that is widely regarded as superior to the substandard 2025 class should produce more than enough players who could get their crack at fixing the Jets' quarterback woes if Fields doesn't prove to be the answer.

5 quarterback prospects Jets must consider in 2026 NFL Draft

5. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

Iamaleava has had a touch few months, as he tailed off near the end of last season and was kicked out of Knoxville amid his NIL battle. Landing in LA, the 6-foot-6 passer with a rocket arm will try to show that his physical tools can help him succeed outside of Josh Heupel's quarterback-friendly offense.

4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik was knocked around in his first full year as a starter, but he started to live up to the hype last season after tossing a very promising 36 touchdowns. Klubnik's accuracy in the pocket will help set him apart in what is quickly becoming a very deep quarterback class.

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Nussmeier could have been a Day 2 pick this year, though he likely made the right decision to go back to school. His natural arm talent and skill outside the pocket can be further improved on in Baton Rouge, which could solidify him as a first-round pick.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar is prototypical in every sense of the word at quarterback. With a 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and the rocket arm to match, Allar likely would have been a first-round pick if he declared in 2025. The Jets may end up benefiting from his decision to run it back one more time.

1. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

In terms of upside and ceiling, Sellers may be the best prospect in this class, Manning included. At 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, Sellers has the blend of accuracy down the field, arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows, and bulldozing running ability that Glenn seems to value in Fields.