Despite being a projected top pick in multiple way-too-early 2026 NFL mock drafts, Texas quarterback Arch Manning appears firmly committed to staying in Austin—at least for now.
The first-year Longhorns starter would need to declare for the draft early to make that 2026 prediction a reality, but his legendary grandfather, Archie Manning, doesn’t see that happening.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” Archie told Texas Monthly this week. “He’ll be in Texas.” That sentiment is a sharper stance than Archie’s more reserved comment from late 2024, when he merely said he “hoped” his grandson would finish out his college career.
Arch Manning, who comes from one of the most iconic families in football history, has been the subject of intense speculation, with oddsmakers placing him among the favorites to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft. But at SEC Media Days this summer, Arch dodged all draft talk, downplaying the noise and redirecting the focus to his play.
“I’ve only played in, what? Two games?” Arch said with a laugh. “Talk is cheap. I’ve got to go prove it.”
NFL Hype, But Not So Fast
Manning, now entering his third season with Texas but first as the starting quarterback, has thrown just 95 passes in his college career. Still, his raw talent and elite pedigree continue to keep NFL front offices intrigued.
Even Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam—who has strong ties to the Manning family as a University of Tennessee alumnus—chimed in on the rumors last month. While acknowledging his admiration for the family, Haslam also poured cold water on speculation.
“If you know the Manning family… I would bet he stays in college two years,” Haslam told ESPN. “I don’t even really think that’s worth discussing.”
Haslam once tried to lure Arch’s uncle, Peyton Manning, to Cleveland’s front office. That effort didn’t pan out, but the connection between the Mannings and the Browns persists—at least in NFL gossip circles.
Deep Roots in the Big Easy
Naturally, the New Orleans Saints are another team closely tied to Arch’s future. Arch’s grandfather, Archie, was the Saints’ quarterback from 1971 to 1982, and though his No. 8 jersey hasn’t been officially retired, it hasn’t been worn since. Arch, along with his uncles Peyton and Eli, grew up in New Orleans and attended Isidore Newman School, the same high school that shaped their football journeys.
Arch’s NFL projection has been in the spotlight since 2022, when 247Sports recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna compared him to Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, citing Arch’s “elite arm strength,” “outstanding touch,” and poise in the pocket.
Ready to Lead the Longhorns
Now, it’s finally Arch’s turn to take full control of the Texas offense. With quarterback Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, Manning enters the 2025 season as the undisputed leader. Heisman expectations may be lofty, but Arch isn’t shying away.
“Last year, I was taking notes from Quinn, seeing how he did it and finding my role,” he said. “Now, I can take full gauge… I think you’ve got to walk the walk first.”
Texas has retooled its offensive line and boasts weapons like five-star wideout Ryan Wingo. With elite talent on both sides of the ball, the Longhorns are legitimate SEC contenders and a possible College Football Playoff threat.
Arch is embracing the moment—not as a future draft pick or the next Manning legacy, but as a player looking to make his own mark.
“As much as it wasn’t always fun sitting those two years, I think I got a lot of respect from my teammates,” Manning said. “Now, I come at it from a place of love, not just being a turd.”