Overview
- Mike Francesa said on his podcast that the Manning family would not allow Arch Manning to play for the New York Jets and would “manipulate the draft” to prevent it.
- Arch Manning remains at Texas for the 2026 season and is widely projected as a potential No. 1 pick in 2027 if he declares.
- The Jets traded for Geno Smith and plan to start him in 2026, a move some analysts frame as buying time as the franchise could be in contention for the 2027 top pick.
- Coverage cites past examples of Manning family influence, including Eli’s 2004 refusal to play for the Chargers that prompted a draft-day trade, and Peyton’s 1997 decision to return to Tennessee rather than enter a draft where the Jets held No. 1.
- Analysts outline possible routes to avoid New York—staying in school or forcing a trade—while at least one voice, Kenny Mayne, suggests the family might let events play out.