The New York Jets made a massive decision at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Instead of trying to keep the team together, Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn sold off a few key assets.
Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams are on new teams, while the Jets landed three extra first-round picks, a second rounder, along with Adonai Mitchell and Mazi Smith. Those two trades set the Jets up to find their new franchise quarterback in the next two drafts.
According to Jordan Reid of ESPN, the Jets are sending Mougey among a heavy contingent to the Indiana Hoosiers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions game in Happy Valley. This strong contingent is noteworthy, as there are multiple key prospects the Jets could target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jets 2026 NFL Draft targets from Indiana vs. Penn State
"#Jets GM Darren Moguey and senior football advisor, Rick Spielman, are among a heavy contingent from the team in attendance at the Indiana/Penn State game today." Ried reports. "QB Fernando Mendoza is a notable name prospect in that matchup."
#Jets GM Darren Mougey and senior football advisor, Rick Spielman, are among a heavy contingent from team in attendance at the Indiana/Penn State game today. QB Fernando Mendoza is a notable name prospect in that match up.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 8, 2025
For a team like the Jets, in dire need of a franchise quarterback, Mendoza is a key player to watch in this Indiana vs. Penn State matchup. A strong game with the Jets front office in attendance could lead New York to try Mendoza as the franchise quarterback.
Mendoza is the top prospect in this game for either team, and he's having an incredible season for the Hoosiers so far. He has 2,124 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and four interceptions in nine games this season.
He can also run the ball, running for 220 yards and four touchdowns on 50 attempts this season. His number one receiver, Elijah Sarratt, could also be a target for the Jets. He has 45 receptions for 609 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year.
More: What did the Jets get in return for Sauce Gardner? Full trade details on stunning move with Colts
But, Indiana isn't the only team in this game with some interesting players. Penn State's top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft are defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, offensive guard Olaivavega Ione, cornerback A.J. Harris, and, while not playing again this season, quarterback Drew Allar.
While Mendoza is the clear top prospect in this early November matchup, there are some other players that Mougey and Speilman could get a better grasp of by being in attendance.
But, with the quarterback position being of utmost importance, Mendoza is the clear prospect worth watching for the Jets. Likely picking near the top of the draft in 2026, Mendoza could be the Jets' first-round pick as New York aims to find their franchise quarterback.
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