With $30 million guaranteed, this AFC team went all in on quarterback Justin Fields to fix their never-ending quarterback problem this season. Arch Manning is looking to make an impact wherever he lands, with no team needing him more than this one. With a top-five pick in the 2026 draft, PFSN’s Max Dorsey knows this team would benefit most from Manning’s presence.
The New York Jets have cycled through quarterbacks for years, from Mark Sanchez to Geno Smith to Sam Darnold. They’re finally betting on Justin Fields to solve their issues under center. But if Fields struggles, New York could return to the same position next spring.
Arch Manning Emerges as New York Jets’ Long-Term Answer at Quarterback
After his first full season as a starter at Texas in 2025, Manning could be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. He’s already projected to be drafted higher than every quarterback except Cade Klubnik. The Jets would be happy with either of these selections, but if Manning declares for the draft, they’d regret it forever if they don’t take him.
Manning had quite a promising start to his college football career. He threw eight touchdowns to just two interceptions in those games, as he lit up Mississippi State for 325 yards with an 83.9% completion percentage. Those numbers put him in elite company among first-year starters in the SEC. Manning’s two interceptions came as he got too excited in the team’s 51-3 win over UL Monroe, but it’s clear those interceptions didn’t influence the game’s outcome.
Texas gave Manning a carry against Ohio State in the Longhorns’ final game, a 28-14 loss in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. His eight yards in that game contributed to the 108 rushing yards he finished the season with. Surprisingly, 53 of those came in one game, which was his first start on Sept. 14 against UTSA. The dual-threat ability makes him even more appealing to NFL scouts who want versatility at the position.
ARCH MANNING HAS ARRIVED. TD TEXAS🔥 🙌
FIRST TEXAS TD FOR ARCH 👏
(via @InsideTexas)
pic.twitter.com/0vsv0LtQgJ— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 31, 2024
With nine touchdowns in the air and four on the ground, the sky is the limit for Manning. Texas knows they’ll want to limit how often he uses his feet, as an injury could derail his entire career. Regardless, the option is there for a team that once again has National Championship aspirations. His arm strength and mobility remind scouts of Josh Allen’s early college tape, though Manning shows better decision-making at this stage.
Jets Bet Big on Justin Fields While Manning Waits in the Wings
Fields is the leading man for the Jets this season after the team loved what they saw from him with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Chicago Bears No. 11 overall draft pick finished with a career-high 65.8% completion percentage, as he had 10 total touchdowns last year. Fields finally looked comfortable in an offense that didn’t ask him to do too much, which is exactly what the Jets need right now.
If Fields doesn’t work out, there isn’t much for Jets fans to look forward to, as they’re backed up by Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and Brady Cook. Taylor brings veteran experience but limited upside, while Martinez and Cook are developmental prospects. That’s why landing Manning in 2026 could change everything for this franchise.
For the Longhorns’ 2025 season, Manning is surrounded by senior Joe Tatum, freshman Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr., and redshirt freshman Trey Owens. Owens went 2-4 last season for 19 yards, and he had a three-yard carry, as he’s the lone quarterback to hit the stat sheet out of those three. Manning is the clear favorite to lead Texas back to the playoffs, with his 2026 draft status remaining questionable only because of how early he might declare.
The Jets haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Chad Pennington, and even that’s debatable. Manning represents the generational talent that could finally end their decades-long search for the position.
