New York Jets land No. 1 pick, franchise QB in 2026 mock draft

Here we go, again.

The 2025 NFL draft wrapped up less than two weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped the top draft analysts from cooking up early projections for 2026, despite no official draft order and uncertainty over which players will declare.

In his “way too early” 2026 mock draft, The Ringer’s Todd McShay presents a bold scenario for the New York Jets.

The veteran draft analyst projects New York to land the No. 1 overall pick and select LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

 “I have my hesitations on the Jets’ ceiling with Justin Fields next year, but the floor is a whole hell of a lot higher than this projection by FanDuel. But that’s a different discussion for a different day,” McShay said.

“Back to the exercise; I’m surprised to see people aren’t higher on Nussmeier heading into the season. He and LaNorris Sellers are the two quarterbacks I’m most intrigued to see develop next season,” he continued. “Nussmeier’s anticipation and ball placement in the face of pressure intrigue me most. If he takes the next step in 2025, he will be in the mix for QB1.”

A four-star recruit from Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, Nussmeier initially committed to LSU, ultimately spending all four collegiate seasons with the Tigers, while locked in to return for 2025.

Throughout his first three years in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana native saw limited action, backing up 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

However, in his first season as a starter in 2024, Nussmier compiled a prolific year under center, completing 64.2% of his passing attempts for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Nussmeier is known for his elite arm talent, impressive footwork, and ability to command an offense.

Nussmeier was viewed as a potential day two selection in the 2025 draft but opted to return to LSU for another season.

If he builds on his strong 2024 campaign, the signal-caller could position himself as the top quarterback in the 2026 class.

Should the Justin Fields experiment falter and the Jets end up with a premium pick, Nussmeier may emerge as a legitimate option for New York.

However, if the Jets secure the No. 1 overall selection following a disastrous season, it would not be guaranteed that head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey will still lead the franchise.