Jets’ Mory Bamba Unleashes ‘Bamba Island’ in Preseason Takeover
The Rise of "Bamba Island": How an Undrafted Cornerback Stole the Show for the Jets
What Happened? The Preseason Breakout
Imagine you’re at a school talent show, and the quiet kid in the back suddenly does an amazing magic trick that wows everyone. That’s basically what happened with Mory Bamba and the New York Jets.
During a preseason game (a practice game before the real season starts) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 14, 2026, Bamba played so well that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn coined a new nickname: "Bamba Island."
Fun Fact: This is a playful nod to "Revis Island," the famous nickname for former Jets superstar cornerback Darrelle Revis. It means a cornerback is so good, receivers stranded on their "island" can’t get open.
By the Numbers: Bamba’s Stat Line
- 4 pass breakups (knocking the ball away before the receiver catches it)
- 5 total tackles
- Targeted 9 times (quarterback threw his way 9 times)
- Allowed only 3 receptions (catch rate: 33%)
- Played on both defense AND special teams (kick/punt coverage units)
The Signature Play
On one play, a Buccaneers receiver (Ted Hurst III) looked certain to score a touchdown in the end zone. Bamba recovered from behind at the last second and punched the ball out — saving a touchdown!
The Long Road: Bamba’s Unconventional Journey
Bamba didn’t follow the typical path of a star high school recruit → big college program → NFL Draft pick. His journey looks more like a winding road trip with many stops.
The Journey Timeline
- 2019: Enrolls at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Division III) — for track & field, not football!
- 2020: Transfers to ASA College (Miami) — starts playing football at JUCO level (Junior College). Season canceled due to COVID.
- 2021: Plays first real football season at ASA College.
- Spring 2022: Briefly at Tyler Junior College (Texas).
- Fall 2022–2025: Transfers to BYU (Division I / FBS) — spends 4 years there.
- Never a full-time starter
- Senior year (2025): 23 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 starts
- 2026: Goes undrafted in NFL Draft → signs with New York Jets as an undrafted free agent (UDFA).
Key Terms Explained:
- Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA): A player not picked in the NFL Draft who can sign with any team.
- Depth Chart: The team’s ranking of players at each position (1st string, 2nd string, etc.). Bamba is fighting to climb this chart.
- Special Teams: Units for kickoffs, punts, field goals — often where roster bubbles players prove their worth.
Why Is Everyone Talking About His Speed?
At 6-foot-2, Bamba has a rare combo: big frame + elite speed. At BYU’s Pro Day (a workout for NFL scouts), he posted jaw-dropping numbers:
| Drill | Result | NFL Combine Context |
|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash | 4.27 seconds | Would’ve tied for 2nd fastest among ALL prospects |
| Broad jump | 11 feet 1 inch | Would’ve been 2nd best among cornerbacks |
Important Note: Pro Day times are often slightly faster than the official NFL Combine (hand-timed vs. laser-timed), but even adjusted, these are elite numbers.
Track Background = Football Speed
Bamba didn’t just wake up fast. He was a collegiate track athlete first. That explosive training translates directly to:
- Closing speed (catching receivers from behind)
- Recovery ability (bouncing back if beaten initially)
- Special teams value (covering kicks/punts at full sprint)
What Comes Next? Making the 53-Man Roster
Making an NFL roster as an undrafted rookie cornerback is really hard. Here’s what Bamba needs to do:
The Checklist to Stick
- Keep dominating in practice — Consistency > one great game
- Excel on special teams — This is the #1 way UDFA defensive backs make rosters
- Fix the "couple mistakes" Coach Glenn mentioned — No mental errors
- Learn the playbook cold — Trust from coaches = playing time
- Stay healthy — Availability is the best ability
What His Teammates Say
Veteran cornerback Brandon Stephens revealed he predicted this game beforehand:
"Before the game I told him, ‘You’re gonna have a hell of a game.’ And he went out there and did it… He definitely played his heart out."
The whole sideline was hyping him up after his plays — a great sign for locker room acceptance.
CALLOUT: KEY TAKEAWAYS
5 Things to Remember About Mory Bamba
- Nickname Born: "Bamba Island" coined by Coach Glenn after standout preseason debut
- Stat Stuffer: 4 PBUs, 5 tackles, 33% catch rate allowed vs. Bucs
- Journeyman Path: D3 track → JUCO → another JUCO → BYU (4 yrs, rarely started) → UDFA
- Freak Athlete: 4.27 40-yard dash, 11’1" broad jump at 6’2" — combine-elite numbers
- Roster Battle: Must prove Week 1 wasn’t a fluke; special teams is his clearest path
SUMMARY: THE BAMBA ISLAND STORY SO FAR
Mory Bamba went from a Division III track athlete to the talk of Jets camp in one preseason night. His elite speed/size combo (verified by pro day testing) finally met opportunity, and he seized it with 4 pass breakups, a goal-line save, and special teams hustle.
Coach Glenn loved the effort but noted mistakes to clean up. Teammates like Brandon Stephens are already in his corner. Now the undrafted rookie must stack good days in practice and the remaining preseason games to turn "Bamba Island" from a one-night nickname into a regular-season roster spot.
FAQ: YOUR BAMBA ISLAND QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q: What does "pass breakup" mean exactly?
A: When a defender legally knocks the ball away from a receiver before they complete the catch. It’s an incomplete pass — no catch, no yards. Bamba had 4 of these!
Q: Why does being undrafted matter?
A: Draft picks get guaranteed money and roster security. UDFAs like Bamba get no guarantees — they can be cut anytime. He has to outplay drafted players just to keep his jersey.
Q: What’s the difference between Pro Day and the NFL Combine?
A: The Combine is the official NFL event (laser-timed, standardized). Pro Days are run by colleges for their players — often friendlier conditions, hand-timed 40s. Scouts trust Combine numbers more, but Pro Day stars still get attention.
Q: How rare is a 4.27 40-yard dash at 6’2"?
A: Extremely. Since 2003, only a handful of players over 6’1" have run sub-4.3 at the Combine. Bamba’s size/speed profile is what got him signed despite limited college production.
Q: When will we know if he makes the team?
A: Final roster cuts happen late August (usually the Tuesday after the last preseason game). He’ll need to survive 3-4 preseason games and weeks of practices first.
Article based on coverage of the Jets’ August 14, 2026 preseason game vs. Buccaneers. Stats and quotes sourced from postgame media availability.