The New York Jets have named rookie Cade Klubnik as the backup quarterback for the start of the 2026 NFL season, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Monday. Klubnik, a fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson, will serve as the primary backup to incumbent starter Geno Smith.

Glenn emphasized the confidence the coaching staff has in Klubnik despite his rookie status. “He’s our backup quarterback and he’ll do a good job,” Glenn said, highlighting Klubnik’s steady development throughout training camp and preseason action. Klubnik appeared in all three preseason games, starting twice, completing 16 of 27 passes for 134 yards and one interception. While he led three scoring drives, he did not throw a touchdown pass during the preseason.

A key factor in the decision to elevate Klubnik to the No. 2 role was the opportunity for increased practice reps, allowing him to develop by running the scout team offense against the first-string defense. “That was a huge part of it,” Glenn explained, adding that Klubnik’s poise, intelligence, and steady improvement convinced the staff he is the right choice.

Despite limited experience at the NFL level, Klubnik has been praised for his composure under pressure. Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich noted Klubnik’s pocket presence during the preseason, singling out a particular play against the Pittsburgh Steelers where Klubnik confidently progressed through multiple receivers while standing in the end zone. “He did it like he’s been doing it for years,” Reich said.

Klubnik’s football pedigree includes being the top quarterback prospect from Texas coming out of high school. He became Clemson’s starting quarterback late in his freshman year and participated in high-profile games such as ACC Championships and the College Football Playoff. Although once projected as a first-round pick, Klubnik’s draft stock fell after a difficult final college season marked by injuries and a struggling Clemson offense. The Jets moved up in the draft to select him in the fourth round.

In addition to Klubnik, the Jets plan to retain veteran Bailey Zappe on their practice squad as the third-string quarterback. Zappe has been with the team throughout the offseason. Meanwhile, last season’s spot starter Brady Cook was waived Sunday and claimed by the Miami Dolphins.

The Jets will be relying on Klubnik’s progress and readiness should Smith face injury during the season. Glenn acknowledged that while Klubnik’s rookie status inevitably brings challenges, the team is confident in his ongoing development and ability to contribute when called upon.