New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez hands off to running back Leon Washington during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has made it official: Mark Sanchez is his starting quarterback.

Ryan, who made the announcement after practice Wednesday, said early in training camp he’d like to make a decision on a starter by the Jets’ third preseason game. Sanchez showed him enough in two games to beat Kellen Clemens for the job.

The fifth overall draft pick out of Southern California will be under center for the Jets’ opener at Houston on Sept. 13. The Jets’ next preseason game is Saturday night against the Giants.

Sanchez replaces Brett Favre as the starter after generally showing poise and solid decision-making skills during training camp.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.