By admin 
After their Week 1 preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Jets are getting a clearer picture of what their 53-man roster and starters could look like heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Read more Air Jordan 12 ‘Wheat’ x PSNY: Where to Buy the Rare 2017 Grail
The Jets did not fare well, falling 24-16. However, nearly every Jets starter got a taste of action on Friday.
As the preseason continues and the Jets inch closer to Week 1 of the regular season, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn will continue to evaluate his roster and decide who gets the starting nod.
Here’s an early projection of the Jets’ starters following their first preseason game.
Quarterback: Geno Smith
Geno Smith remains the projected starter entering the season, while Bailey Zappe and Cade Klubnik are currently battling for the backup quarterback job.
Running Back: Breece Hall
Hall enters the season as the featured back after his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign.
Fullback: Andrew Beck
The Jets will feature Andrew Beck at fullback to provide another option as a blocker and in the running game.
Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Omar Cooper Jr.
Garrett Wilson remains the clear No. 1 wide receiver, while Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell provide additional playmaking ability. Isaiah Williams could push for a larger role following a strong training camp.
Read more “It’s like very derogatory” – Ex-WNBA champion on men calling women “females”
Tight End: Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert
Mason Taylor headlines a young, talented tight end room. Jeremy Ruckert provides experience and versatility as the group’s veteran.
Offensive Line Starters: Olu Fashanu, Dylan Parham, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, Armand Membou
The Jets will lean on Joe Tippmann, Olu Fashanu, and Dylan Parham to protect Geno Smith this season and open up holes for Breece Hall. Armand Membou will continue his development entering his second season.
Defense
Defensive End: Kingsley Enagbare, Will McDonald IV
The Jets will pair Will McDonald with Kingsley Enagbare on defense, giving the team two talented edge rushers capable of creating pressure.
Defensive Line: Harrison Phillips,T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata
T’Vondre Sweat has been cleared after missing the first few weeks of training camp due to a hamstring injury. He should provide a strong interior presence alongside David Onyemata and Harrison Phillips.
Linebacker: Jamien Sherwood, Demario Davis
The Jets reunited with Demario Davis this offseason, pairing the future Hall of Famer with Jamien Sherwood. Sherwood has a lot to prove this season as he continues to establish his role in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Cornerback: Brandon Stephens,Nahshon Wright
The Jets will lean on Brandon Stephens to bounce back after a down season, as the team looks to improve after failing to record an interception last season. Nahshon Wright joins New York after a breakout season with the Chicago Bears.
Safety: Andre Cisco, Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Jets’ safety rotation will pair veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick with Andre Cisco, giving the secondary a talented combination.
Special Teams
- K: Nick Folk
- P: Austin McNamara
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 9:14 AM.