It's often called the most important position in sports, and nowhere is that more evident than in the NFL. The New York Jets learned that lesson the hard way over the past decade, cycling through veterans, stopgaps, and hopeful draft picks in a relentless search for stability under center. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, that search may once again take center stage at One Jets Drive. While the current roster situation remains fluid, proactive scouting is never optional, especially at quarterback.
According to a recent report from Jets Wire, the team's evaluators are already deep into their homework on the next wave of collegiate signal-callers. With the draft still months away, prospect rankings are volatile, and team needs can shift dramatically. However, identifying potential fits early allows a franchise to track development, monitor scheme changes, and build a comprehensive board. For the Jets, whether they're picking in the top five or the late twenties, having a clear picture of the quarterback landscape is paramount.
Here are five quarterback options for the New York Jets to monitor throughout the 2025 college football season, based on early scouting reports and trajectory analysis.
1. Ty Simpson, Alabama
The name at the top of many early 2026 mock drafts is Ty Simpson, the talented Alabama quarterback who has patiently waited for his turn in Tuscaloosa. Simpson possesses the prototype physical tools that NFL scouts covet: a strong, elastic arm capable of making every throw, above-average mobility to extend plays, and the stature to stand tall in the pocket. Having learned under Nick Saban's successor in a pro-style offensive system, Simpson's football IQ and preparedness for the NFL's mental demands are considered major assets.
For the Jets, Simpson represents the high-ceiling, first-round option. His game is built on anticipation and arm talent, allowing him to attack all three levels of the defense. The primary questions he'll need to answer in 2025 revolve around consistency and performance under duress. Can he carry the Alabama offense week in and week out against elite SEC competition? If he can, he'll likely be a top-10 pick, a range where the Jets might need to be aggressive via trade-up if they identify him as their guy. His skill set would fit well in a modern, aggressive offensive scheme that values downfield passing and quarterback-initiated plays.
2. Noah Grulkey, Notre Dame
Notre Dame has a history of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks, and Noah Grulkey is next in line. Grulkey's appeal lies in his polish and processor. He is reported to have exceptional pocket presence, a quick release, and an advanced understanding of coverage rotations and blitz packages. He may not have the cannon arm of some peers, but his accuracy, timing, and decision-making are considered elite for the collegiate level.
The Jets' interest in a player like Grulkey would signal a desire for a high-floor prospect who can step in and operate an offense efficiently from day one. In a scenario where the Jets are looking for immediate competition or a successor to a veteran bridge quarterback, Grulkey's pro-ready approach would be highly attractive. His 2025 season will be about demonstrating he can maintain that precision against increased pressure and that he has enough athleticism to handle the modern NFL's demand for quarterbacks to make off-schedule plays. He projects as a likely first-round pick who could be available in the mid-to-late portion, potentially aligning with a Jets pick if they have a competitive season.
3. Diego Bivens, Ohio State
The Ohio State quarterback factory looks to have another potential star in Diego Bivens. A dynamic dual-threat athlete, Bivens brings a terrifying combination of speed and playmaking ability to the position. He is a threat to take any play the distance, both as a passer and a runner, forcing defenses to account for him on every snap. His arm strength is more than adequate, and he has shown flashes of brilliant deep-ball touch.
For the Jets, Bivens represents the ultimate offensive weapon--a player who can single-handedly distort a defense. In an era where quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have redefined the position's value, Bivens fits that mold. The scrutiny on him will focus on his development as a passer from the pocket. Can he progress through his reads consistently? Can he win with his arm when his legs are taken away? If he makes strides in those areas during the 2025 season, his ceiling is as high as any player in the class. He is a high-risk, high-reward prospect who could ignite an offense but may require a specific scheme and patient development plan.
4. Brady Hoke, Michigan
The Michigan program, known for its physical, team-oriented identity, has produced a compelling prospect in Brady Hoke. Hoke is a classic pocket passer with excellent size, toughness, and leadership intangibles. He thrives in structure, excels at play-action, and has shown the ability to perform in big moments. His game is built on efficiency, ball security, and winning within the confines of the play call.
A Jets team built on a strong defense and a run-first mentality might see Hoke as an ideal fit. He would not be asked to carry the offense but rather to manage the game, convert key third downs, and avoid catastrophic mistakes. His draft stock likely hinges on how much he can showcase an ability to create when the initial play breaks down and whether he can increase his volume production in the Michigan offense. He currently projects as a Day 2 pick (second or third round), which could offer the Jets tremendous value if they believe they can develop him into a steady starter without the pressure of a first-round label.
5. Julian Lewis, USC
The wild card of the group is Julian Lewis, the USC quarterback whose pure passing talent is undeniable. Lewis has a lightning-quick release and arguably the most natural throwing motion in the class. He can fit balls into tight windows with velocity and displays impressive touch on fades and corner routes. His highlight reel is filled with "wow" throws that remind evaluators of the top NFL passers.
The concerns with Lewis are primarily systemic and related to projection. Playing in USC's quarterback-friendly, spread offense, he will need to prove he can operate from under center, handle complex protections, and make full-field reads. His athleticism is adequate but not a weapon, placing a premium on his mental processing and pocket navigation. For the Jets, Lewis would be a developmental project with a superstar ceiling. He would likely require a "redshirt" year to acclimate to a pro system, but the payoff could be a franchise-level passer. He is a classic boom-or-bust prospect who will be one of the most intensely scouted players in the country this fall.
The Big Picture for the Jets
Monitoring these five quarterbacks is just one part of the Jets' long-term roster construction puzzle. The team's decision in the 2026 draft will be influenced by a myriad of factors: the performance of their 2025 quarterback room, their final draft position, the development of these prospects throughout the college season, and the philosophical direction set by General Manager Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn.
The report from Jets Wire underscores a fundamental truth: you can never start too early when evaluating quarterbacks. Whether the Jets are in a position to select a potential Day 1 starter or are looking for a developmental talent to groom, having a deep and nuanced understanding of this class is critical. The 2025 college football season will serve as a massive audition for Simpson, Grulkey, Bivens, Hoke, Lewis, and others. For Jets fans and the front office alike, it will be a season spent watching not just the scoreboard, but the subtle details of footwork, decision-making, and poise from the next generation of quarterbacks hoping to solve the NFL's most important puzzle right here in New York.