Arch Manning’s Future in Question
Recent mock drafts for the 2026 NFL draft have seen Texas quarterback Arch Manning projected in the first round. This would mean the freshman starter for the Longhorns would have to leave college a year earlier than anticipated.
Archie Manning’s Warning
Archie Manning, a member of the New Orleans Saints’ Ring of Honor and Arch’s grandfather, has issued a warning to NFL teams considering tanking for his grandson. He stated, “Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas,” emphasizing that he expects Arch to remain with the Longhorns.
This stance is more assertive than his comments made back in December 2024, when he expressed hope that Arch would complete his college career at Texas.
Interest from NFL Teams
While odds suggest Manning is a frontrunner to be selected first overall in next year’s draft, he refrained from discussing his future during SEC Media Days earlier this summer.
Owner of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, has tried to temper speculation surrounding the team’s interest in Manning. Although he acknowledged his ties to the Manning family, being a Tennessee alumnus, he declined to comment on potential plans for the upcoming draft. Haslam noted, “If you know the Manning family, I would bet that — and I don’t know Arch at all — I would bet he stays in college two years. So, I don’t even really think that’s worth discussing.”
New Orleans Connection
The Manning family’s connection to New Orleans plays a significant role in the narrative. Archie Manning moved his family to Louisiana when he became the Saints’ starting quarterback in 1971. While Manning’s No. 8 jersey is not officially retired by the franchise, it hasn’t been worn since he left in 1982.
Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning all grew up in New Orleans, and Arch, Cooper’s son, followed in the family tradition by attending Isidore Newman School. Analyst Cooper Petagna from 247Sports has projected Arch as a future first-round pick since 2022. His initial scouting report highlighted Manning’s elite arm strength, impressive touch, and agility in the pocket, drawing comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Proving Himself at Texas
Despite having only two career starts and 95 pass attempts over the past two seasons behind quarterback Quinn Ewers, Manning enters the 2025 season as the Heisman frontrunner, according to betting odds. He approached these expectations with humor at a recent media event, saying, “I’m not really sure how they got these opinions because I’ve only played in, what? Two games? I guess it’s nice of them to say, but it doesn’t mean anything. Talk is cheap, I’ve got to go prove it.”
Since the offseason began, Manning has embraced a leadership role on the Longhorns team. Following departures to the NFL Draft, Texas has worked on rebuilding its offensive line and is banking on a breakout performance from sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo, a former five-star recruit. With strong defensive assets, the Longhorns are aiming for a shot at the SEC title this fall.
Manning expressed optimism about his new role, stating, “Last year, I was taking notes from Quinn, seeing how he did it and finding my role. Now, I can take full gauge and take as much time as I can in the offseason with everyone. I think you’ve got to walk the walk first. I think, as much as it wasn’t always fun sitting those two years, I think I got a lot of respect from my teammates. Now, I come at it from a place of love, not just being a turd.”
