Arch Manning predicted to leave Texas in 2026, land with lowly AFC squad
Context:
Arch Manning is projected to be a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, with CBS Sports predicting he will be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 4 overall pick. This prediction suggests another challenging season for the Jets in 2025, potentially due to Justin Fields' underperformance, who was signed for $20 million annually but only for two years. Manning, following his uncle Eli's footsteps, who won two Super Bowls with the Giants, could bring excitement to the Jets' fanbase and possibly secure the quarterback position for the foreseeable future. Despite his potential, Manning has limited college experience, having played only 12 games due to being behind Quinn Ewers at Texas, yet he has demonstrated promising skills both in passing and rushing. With Ewers moving to the NFL, Manning is expected to be the full-time starter in 2025, which could either boost his NFL draft stock or prompt him to stay in college longer if needed.
Dive Deeper:
Arch Manning, a top quarterback prospect, is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, with CBS Sports predicting he will be picked by the New York Jets at No. 4 overall. This selection aligns with the Jets enduring another tough season in 2025, likely due to quarterback Justin Fields' struggles.
The Jets currently have Justin Fields signed to a two-year deal worth $20 million annually, but if he underperforms, the team may look to move on after just one season, paving the way for Manning's potential arrival.
Manning, whose uncle Eli Manning famously won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, could invigorate the Jets' fanbase and establish long-term stability at the quarterback position.
Although Manning has shown potential with 969 passing yards and 108 rushing yards, along with 13 combined touchdowns in his limited college appearances, skepticism remains due to his inexperience, having played only 12 games behind Quinn Ewers at Texas.
With Ewers entering the NFL, Manning is set to become the starting quarterback for Texas in 2025, offering him a platform to solidify his standing as a top draft prospect or reconsider his draft timeline based on his performance.
The Jets' decision to draft Manning would not only reflect their need for a reliable quarterback but also their hope that he can replicate his uncle's success in New York, potentially transforming the team's future.
The scenario painted by CBS Sports indicates the Jets' current reliance on Fields may not be secure, and Manning's entry could provide a solution, though it heavily depends on Manning's collegiate success in the upcoming season.
The 2025 NFL Draft wasn't even a month ago, yet some are already imagining what the 2026 draft will look like.
While the 2025 quarterback class was considered to be weak, the 2026 crop should be better. Passers like Garrett Nussmeier from LSU, Arch Manning from Texas, and Drew Allar from Penn State are slated to be the top options at the position.
The team over at CBS Sports recently put together a 2026 mock draft. The duo of former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon and Chip Patterson were responsible for making the No. 4 overall pick for the New York Jets.
With that pick, Carthon and Patterson had the Jets selecting star prospect Arch Manning. Regarding that selection, the pair offered the following:
Arch Manning follows in the footsteps of his uncle (Eli Manning) by playing in the Big Apple. Manning replaces 2025 starter Justin Fields for the Jets, who hope Manning turns out much better than the last quarterback they took in the top five (Zach Wilson in 2021).
Of course, the Jets having the No. 4 overall pick means the team at CBS Sports is expecting another rough season in 2025. If that happens, it likely means that quarterback Justin Fields struggled in his first year with the team.
The Jets signed Fields to a deal worth $20 million annually, but only for two years, so it wouldn't be hard for the team to move on after just one season.
Manning would be a fascinating pick for the Jets.
As Carthon and Patterson mentioned, Manning's uncle Eli also played quarterback in New York and won two Super Bowls with the Giants. Adding a Manning would not only excite the fanbase, but possibly secure the team's most important position for a decade or more.
Manning is far from a sure thing at this point, though. The legendary prospect has played in just 12 games in his college career so far, as he had been stuck behind Quinn Ewers at Texas.
So far, Manning has completed 63-of-95 passes for 969 yards with nine scores and two interceptions in college. The quarterback also showed some leg talent, rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns.
With Ewers now in the NFL, Manning is expected to be the full-time starter in 2025. Depending on how this season goes, Manning could have even more NFL hype, or he could potentially stay at school.
Of course, if Fields performs up to his deal, the Jets may not be in the market for a quarterback at all.
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