NFL Draft Legend Drops Unexpected Verdict on Arch Manning—What He Said Will Shock You
Arch Manning is no stranger to pressure — being a Manning through and through, the expectations practically write themselves. Yet here we are, in 2024, with some NFL fans already dreaming about “tanking for Arch” despite the fact that he wasn’t even the full-time starter for Texas this past season. Sure, the kid flashed plenty of promise when Quinn Ewers went down, handling nearly 68% of his passes with quarterback poise and showing off his legs with four touchdowns on the ground. Still, let’s pump the brakes: 95 total passes over two years and just a couple of starts? That’s a far cry from the lengthy college resumes of Peyton and Eli. Add to that the modern twist of NIL deals making college QBs quite comfortable financially, and it starts to feel less like a sure shot Arch will be the first overall pick—or declare for the draft at all—next year. The pundits, including the ever-pragmatic Adam Schefter and Lance Zierlein, are urging us to keep expectations in check. Maybe he stays in Austin another season, lets Steve Sarkisian work his magic, and sets himself up for an undeniable top pick in 2027 instead. Or maybe Arch’s path will be one of those slow builds that remind us talent alone doesn’t guarantee a swift NFL leap. So, will Arch take the plunge into the 2026 draft, or is patience the better play here? Time — and Texas — will tell. LEARN MORE.
Some NFL fans are already firing up their “tank to Arch Manning” movements, but at least one analyst thinks it’s time to pump the brakes.
Manning wasn’t the full-time starter for the Texas Longhorns this past season. He did, however, receive ample playing time due to Quinn Ewers’ injury. The former five-star recruit completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
Not only did Manning showcase his arm talent in limited action, he proved that he can make plays with his legs. The nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning had 108 yards and four scores on the ground.
Despite his undeniable talent, Manning isn’t a lock to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. We’re not even sure if he’ll go pro next year.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently said there’s no guarantee Manning will declare for the 2026 draft. He’s not the only reliable voice who’s shouting that message.
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein has doubts about Manning going pro after just one full season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns.
“Arch Manning has played in 9 games over 2 years with just 2 starts and has thrown just 95 total passes,” Zierlein wrote on social media. “Peyton Manning & Eli Manning both played four years of college ball. NIL is making college QBs multi-millionaires. Why do people think Arch is going to be in the 2026 draft?”
If Manning has an incredible 2025 season at Texas and is considered the unquestioned No. 1 pick, maybe he’ll head over to the NFL. But if not, he may want to stick around and develop in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
Do you think Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft?
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