Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, June 26, 2026

Jets name Geno Smith starting QB

New York finally named a starting quarterback for Sunday, and it comes as no surprise that they’re starting the rookie.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have tabbed Geno Smith as the starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Mike Garafolo.

Smith was expected to get the start despite having an uneven preseason after Mark Sanchez was injured in the third preseason game versus the New York Giants. Sanchez laid on the turf for a few minutes before being helped off the field and is now day-to-day, but definitely out for the season opener.

As for Smith, the second round pick sat out the fourth preseason game to get some rest after throwing three interceptions versus the Giants. The ugliest play of his day was the safety taken by Smith, however, as he was rolling out and ran onto the end line (pulling a Dan Orlovsky, for those familiar with bad NFL quarterbacking).

Nobody is sure who will start once Sanchez comes back, but it's expected to be either him or Smith. Matt Simms and Brady Quinn are also on the roster, though, in case Smith should get hurt in his debut.

More from SB Nation NFL:

Play the No. 1 free fantasy football game

NFL Power Rankings: Road to Super Bowl goes through NFC West

Silver and black surprise: Terrelle Pryor likely starting for Raiders

Steelers backfield in flux after Jonathan Dwyer’s release

Bengals, Geno Atkins agree to 5-year extension

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026
NFL

A team of NFL players poised to have breakout campaigns in 2026.

By Jarrett Bailey
NFL
Lions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnappingLions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnapping
NFL

The Detroit Lions defender faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator