New York Jets fans have their New Year”s Day plans firmly in place as their future franchise quarterback may be on display today. The Jets are in dire need of a quarterback and currently hold the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Unless a major upset occurs against the Buffalo Bills, they are expected to keep this top-three pick intact.
Three quarterback prospects with first-round potential are set to showcase their talents today: Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, Dante Moore from Oregon, and Ty Simpson from Alabama. All three players are participating in the College Football Playoff. Moore and the fifth-seeded Ducks will face off against fourth-seeded Texas Tech at 12 PM EST in the Orange Bowl, while Mendoza and the undefeated Hoosiers will take on Simpson and the ninth-seeded Crimson Tide at 4 PM EST in the Rose Bowl.
For Jets fans, these games are essential viewing, possibly more important than any Jets game since October. The ideal scenario is for all three quarterbacks to excel under the national spotlight. With the Jets sitting at No. 3, it would greatly benefit them if all three prospects could demonstrate their worthiness to be selected within the top three. This would allow the Jets to remain at their current position and choose the best available quarterback, rather than feeling compelled to trade valuable assets to move up for a player they deem significantly superior.
There is still uncertainty regarding whether any of these quarterbacks will declare for the draft, as they may opt to stay in college. However, strong performances in the CFP would increase their chances of being selected early in the 2026 Draft. Without the luxury of a top overall pick, the Jets require as many first-round-caliber quarterback prospects as possible to be available to them when their turn arrives.
Today marks a critical juncture in the season, influencing how many quarterback prospects will be considered worthy of selection at No. 3 or the need to trade up to the top spot. Each prospect has specific areas to focus on to enhance their draft stock during these nationally televised games.
Dante Moore: Short Accuracy
Dante Moore”s arm strength is a topic of discussion, but his accuracy, touch, and timing on deep throws are undeniable. Leading college football with a 64.6% adjusted completion percentage on deep passes (20+ air yards), Moore excels in this area. However, he must improve his performance on routine throws. While he has an adjusted completion percentage of 86.0% on short passes (0-9 air yards), which ranks 13th among qualified FBS quarterbacks, his four touchdowns and four interceptions in this range highlight inconsistency. His 6.8 yards per attempt on short passes ranks 32nd.
Moreover, Moore”s efficiency on short passes is a concern due to his low targeting rate; only 35.7% of his attempts are directed toward this short range, ranking 78th among his peers. In the NFL, this rate would be unsustainable. As offenses prioritize quick, short passes, Moore needs to demonstrate proficiency in this critical area to bolster scouts” confidence in his readiness for the NFL.
Ty Simpson: Deep Passing and Ball Security
Ty Simpson faces scrutiny regarding his deep passing ability, with an adjusted completion percentage of 43.4% on these throws, placing him 71st out of FBS quarterbacks. However, he showcased improvement in Alabama”s first-round playoff victory, completing all four deep pass attempts for 120 yards and a touchdown, elevating his adjusted completion percentage to 47.4%. If he can maintain this momentum in the playoffs, he could significantly enhance his draft stock.
Another area of concern for Simpson is ball security. He has the fewest interceptions among the trio, with five, but has thrown 15 turnover-worthy passes, more than Mendoza and Moore. Simpson”s ability to avoid turnover-worthy throws will be tested against Indiana”s defense, known for its ball-hawking tendencies.
Fernando Mendoza: Avoiding Sacks
Fernando Mendoza has struggled with sacks during his college career. In 2024, he was sacked 40 times, tied for the fourth-most among FBS quarterbacks, largely due to a subpar offensive line. However, he has shown improvement at Indiana, taking only 18 sacks in 13 games. His pressure-to-sack rate has decreased to 16.7%, though he still ranks in the lower half of FBS quarterbacks. To cement his status as a top prospect, he needs to further reduce this rate.
As the Jets look toward the future, the stakes have risen for their fans. The 2025 season has been a disappointment, with fans hoping for a turnaround. Today offers a chance for optimism, as the performance of these quarterbacks could reshape the franchise”s direction. Fans are eager to watch the games unfold, hoping for standout performances that could signal a brighter future.
