The first major domino of the 2026 NFL Draft season has officially fallen - and it’s a big one. Dante Moore is heading back to Oregon for his junior year, and that decision is already shaking up the quarterback landscape in a big way.
For quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets, Moore’s return is more than just a headline - it’s a complication. The Jets, still searching for a long-term answer under center, just saw one of the top potential draft options take himself off the board. And with Moore staying in Eugene, the already thin group of first-round-caliber quarterbacks just got thinner.
So where does that leave us? With the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine on the horizon, the pre-draft quarterback rankings are starting to take shape - and for teams like the Jets, these evaluations matter more than ever. Let’s break down the top five quarterbacks in this year’s class as things stand today, and what each brings to the table.
5. Cade Klubnik - Clemson
Cade Klubnik is a name that’s quietly gaining steam - and for good reason. While some scouts are still on the fence, there’s a lot to like when you dig into the tape.
Klubnik’s arm talent is one of the better ones in this class. He can make the NFL throws, and he’s also a solid athlete who can move when needed.
After choosing to return to Clemson in 2025, he posted respectable numbers despite a drop in touchdowns and yardage. But that dip says more about Clemson’s offensive inconsistencies than Klubnik’s ability.
What he did improve was his efficiency - better completion percentage, fewer turnovers, and smarter decisions.
He’s not a finished product. His processing speed still has room to grow, and he’ll need time to adjust to NFL defenses.
But as a Day 2 pick, Klubnik has the tools to be a developmental steal in the right system. Don’t be surprised if his stock rises during the pre-draft circuit.
4. Carson Beck - Miami
Carson Beck is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in this class, with time under center at both Georgia and Miami. He’s got plenty of tape, and what you see is largely what you get.
Beck’s decision-making can be hit or miss - 23 interceptions over the last two seasons is a red flag, especially for a more seasoned prospect. His arm strength doesn’t jump off the screen either.
But he’s not without upside. He’s a smart player who can operate within structure, and when he’s in rhythm, he can be effective.
He’s not a plug-and-play guy, but in the right system, Beck could carve out a role as a reliable option. He looks like a Day 2 pick - not the flashiest quarterback in the draft, but one who could develop into a steady presence with time and coaching.
3. Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss
If there’s one quarterback whose stock has skyrocketed late in the season, it’s Trinidad Chambliss. The Ole Miss standout turned heads with a strong finish, including a standout performance in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.
Chambliss doesn’t have a ton of Division I reps, but he made the most of the ones he got. He led the SEC with 3,900 passing yards and tossed 22 touchdowns - impressive numbers that showcase his arm talent and poise.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he’s not the biggest quarterback, and his accuracy over the middle still needs refining. But there’s a lot to work with here.
Beyond the stats, Chambliss showed leadership and maturity during a chaotic season in Oxford. He’s the kind of prospect who could sneak into the late first or early second round for a team willing to bet on upside and intangibles.
2. Ty Simpson - Alabama
Ty Simpson is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in this class - and maybe the most polarizing. There’s a lot to like, but also plenty to question.
Let’s start with the positives. Simpson has a quick release, processes the field well, and plays with a calm presence.
He was often let down by the talent around him at Alabama - not something we’re used to saying - but he still found ways to move the offense. His anticipation and fit in a quick-strike system make him an appealing option for teams running modern offenses.
The concerns? He’s only got one full season as a starter, and he doesn’t have an elite arm. Decision-making under pressure can be inconsistent, and ball security - particularly fumbles - is something he’ll need to clean up.
Still, Simpson looks like a first-rounder in this class, even if he’s not a top-five guy. For the Jets, who pick at 16, he’s firmly in the conversation - but they’ll have competition from other QB-hungry teams.
1. Fernando Mendoza - Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is the clear No. 1 quarterback in this class - even if Dante Moore had declared, Mendoza might still hold that top spot.
The Heisman Trophy winner has rare anticipation for a college quarterback. He throws a catchable ball, works well within the structure of an offense, and shows the kind of poise and polish that translates to the next level. His ability to “throw receivers open” and operate in tight windows is reminiscent of the NFL’s best rhythm passers.
Physically, he’s not a burner, but he moves better than people give him credit for. The Jared Goff comparison holds up stylistically, but Mendoza might have a bit more mobility in his game.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who earned the top pick after a rough season, are widely expected to take a quarterback - and Mendoza feels like their guy. If that happens, the Jets may find themselves out of reach for the top passer in the draft. But if the Raiders go in a different direction, New York could have a golden opportunity to land the most pro-ready QB in the class.
Final Thoughts
Dante Moore staying at Oregon has reshuffled the quarterback board, and for teams like the Jets, it adds another layer of urgency to an already high-stakes offseason. The 2026 class isn’t deep at the top, but there are intriguing options - from the polished play of Mendoza to the upside of Chambliss and Klubnik.
With the Senior Bowl and Combine still ahead, there’s plenty of movement left to come. But one thing’s clear: if the Jets want to find their quarterback of the future, they’ll need to be aggressive - and smart - in how they play their hand this April.