New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made some damning comments about starting quarterback Justin Fields earlier this week. The 0-7 Jets are the NFL’s lone winless team. With pressure mounting on first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, the team owner believes Fields’ struggles are the real reason behind the disappointing start.

Fields was signed to a two-year bridge contract worth $40 million earlier this offseason. He’s now been benched in favor of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor after throwing for under 50 yards in three starts this season. Fields won’t be the Jets’ quarterback in 2026.

The Jets are currently on pace to earn the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’re likely going to target a quarterback. We’ve identified three quarterback prospects the Jets should be scouting closely.

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza has been the most impressive quarterback in college football this campaign. The precise signal-caller should be the current overwhelming favorite to be drafted at No. 1 overall by the Jets. Mendoza has thrown for 1,755 yards and 21 touchdowns for the No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, who are legitimate College Football Playoff contenders due to his productivity.

Mendoza is a decisive throwback pocket quarterback who would fit Tanner Engstrand’s rhythm-and-timing offense. He’s incredibly accurate while proving capable of working all levels of the field. Mendoza also possesses the arm strength and pocket maneuverability required to thrive as a starting quarterback in the NFL instantly.

Dante Moore, Oregon

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore currently feels like the likeliest candidate to push Mendoza for the QB1 spot. In fact, Moore was arguably ahead of Mendoza on big boards before his underwhelming head-to-head performance against Indiana. His draft stock took a minor hit in that one, having thrown for under 200 yards and interceptions in that setback.

As a prospect, Moore distributes the football with calmness and accuracy to the short, intermediate, and deep areas of the field. The Ducks standout generates above-average velocity with a quick arm release. Moore is also athletic and mobile, showcasing the ability to avoid pressure in the pocket and successfully throw on the run. His mechanics are a work in progress, and he’s a relatively inexperienced prospect, with just 12 career starts under his belt.

Ty Simpson, Alabama

Arguably, no quarterback has boosted his pre-draft stock this season more than Alabama’s Ty Simpson has. Simpson climbed to No. 23 overall as our third-ranked QB prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 rankings. Despite making all seven of his career starts this season, he’s performing like a seasoned, experienced prospect.

Simpson has thrown for 18 touchdowns and one interception this year. He’s leading a resurgence for a Crimson Tide program that has rounded off six consecutive victories, including resume wins over Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee. Simpson has remaining eligibility, but declaring for the 2026 draft should be a real possibility if his current trajectory keeps trending upward.