Five Jets winners from the preseason opener against the Buccaneers

The Jets’ first preseason game of 2026 is in the books. Let’s talk about five players who helped themselves.

Cade Klubnik: Klubnik got a surprise start in the preseason opener due to a Geno Smith ankle injury. Any rookie quarterback tends to get overanalyzed in exhibition games. Klubnik didn’t do anything spectacular, but he was efficient and did more bad than good. He also avoided any glaring mistakes on his way to a 5 for 7 night. Klubnik was the best of the three Jets’ quarterbacks and took a step toward earning the backup quarterback job.

Will McDonald: McDonald has become a bit of a forgotten man at defensive end after the Jets added two players at his position in free agency and then picked Will McDonald second overall. Joseph Ossai‘s injury allowed McDonald to start. He might have been facing backups, but you don’t get to choose your competition. You can only control your performance. McDonald got on the board a sack in limited action.

Braelon Allen: For the next couple of weeks Allen has the stage to himself in the competition to be the second running back behind Breece Hall due to Isaiah Davis‘ knee injury. The key for the third year back is to show he has recovered from his own knee injury that ended his 2025 season early. Allen broke a 31 yard touchdown run in the first half. Again, the competition was not starting level, but him running away from defenders suggests he still has a second gear.

Mory Bamba: The first time I noticed Bamba, he was beaten cleanly in the red zone. He was able to recover to break up the pass on the play, but that was due mainly to a poor throw. For the rest of the game, Bamba was noticeable for all the right reasons. Often tested in coverage, he held up with 4 passes broken up. He also stood out on special teams. This was one of the stronger preseason cases I’ve seen an off the radar make to earn a surprise roster spot in recent memory.

Jason Sanders: I’m going to be a tad controversial here. While both kickers technically had a perfect night, I can’t find anybody who believes Cade York actually made his 38 yard field goal attempt as time expired in the first half. It seems likely the officials blew the call. Sanders meanwhile connected from 47 yards out on his only field goal attempt. I would assume the coaches will take note of this as they grade the kicking competition.