Arch Manning predicted to ditch Texas Longhorns to enter NFL with lowly AFC team

All eyes will be on Arch Manning as he prepares for his first season as the starter for the Texas Longhorns.

We know that Manning has the name, pedigree and skill set to be successful, but he's also unproven after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for the past two years. Now, Ewers is no longer around, which gives Manning an opportunity to start.

If Manning can answer the bell, we could see him taken high in the 2026 NFL draft, where teams will be hoping he's the franchise quarterback they need.

One of the more interesting landing spots for Manning if he declares is the New York Jets, a team that doesn't have a sure long-term solution on the roster.

In a recent mock draft, Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone sees Manning going to the Jets with the No. 5 overall pick in next year's draft.

"The Jets hired Darren Mougey to be their GM this year, and Mougey had a front row seat in Denver to the impact of Peyton Manning," Bedinger wrote. "While Arch Manning isn’t Peyton Manning, this is a legacy player NFL teams are going to fall in love with rather easily. Unlike Peyton and Eli, Arch has outstanding dual-threat capabilities. He’s a competitor and it feels like NFL Draft folks are overthinking him right now. He’s going to have a huge year in 2025 for Texas and would be a perfect long-term option for the Jets."

The Jets did sign Justin Fields earlier this offseason, but the former first-round pick has yet to establish himself as a franchise quarterback in his stints with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.

If he fails in New York, also, the Jets will have a terrible season that will leave them drafting in a high spot once again. And, in turn, that would put them in range for Manning should he enter the draft.

However, there is no guarantee that Manning will actually declare after just one year as a starter. Furthermore, if he doesn't live up to the hype, Manning will definitely remain in college for another season to improve his stock.

Based on Manning family history, Arch might choose to stay at Texas in 2026, even if he has the break out season we're all expecting.

"Both Peyton and Eli spent four years playing at their respective schools en route to becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick," CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajah wrote. "Even patriarch Archie Manning started 30 games over three seasons during his College Football Hall of Fame career."

It goes without saying that another Manning landing in New York would be the talk of the town and football world, but we tend to believe Arch will stay in Texas through 2026 and declare in 2027.