Popular ESPN Analyst Is Urging Players To Boycott One NFL Team In The 2026 Draft

Todd McShay started a drama this week with his comments about the 2026 NFL Draft. The popular ESPN analyst openly told top college players to avoid one team in particular: the New York Jets.

McShay made the remarks while talking about quarterbacks near the top of the NFL draft, especially Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The Jets are expected to have a top-five pick for the first time since 2022, and McShay warned that ending up in New York should worry prospects.

He even suggested an unusual move for a top player. McShay said Moore should consider staying in college if the Jets are planning to draft him. He pointed to NIL money and the chance for a better long-term NFL future as reasons to wait. His comments spread quickly across social media and draft discussions.

McShay Calls Jets A Team Players Want To Avoid

McShay did not soften his stance. He painted a clear picture of how player agents think. He imagined a conversation with Moore’s representatives and drew a firm line.

“We can live with going to 30 of the 32 teams, maybe it’s 31,” McShay said. “We can’t allow him to go to the New York Jets.”

McShay then pushed the idea even further. He claimed almost no prospect wants to wear green. He framed it as a league-wide feeling, not a personal gripe.

“I promise you, not one single player in this entire draft, unless they grew up a Jets fan or have some kind of family tie, wants to be a New York Jet,” McShay said.

His comments came as draft projections continue to change. Many analysts now see Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick after he won the Heisman Trophy, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the top selection. That leaves uncertainty about who goes No. 2.

Dante Moore is still a popular choice for that spot, but he also has the option to return to Oregon. McShay believes staying in school could help protect Moore’s long-term career. He stressed that patience is better than rushing into a bad situation.

McShay’s criticism also has a personal side. He played college football with Joe Douglas, who later became the Jets’ general manager. However, the Jets fired Douglas. McShay was even once linked to a possible front office role under him.

Despite those connections, McShay’s mindset is clear. Players need to look out for their futures, and in his view, that means doing whatever they can to avoid being drafted by the New York Jets in 2026.