Arch Manning doesn’t just carry one of the most iconic last names in football — he may be the next in line to carry the family legacy into the NFL. Since the moment he stepped onto a college field, all eyes have been on the Texas Longhorns quarterback, and not just because of his name.
After redshirting his freshman year, Manning is off to a promising start in Austin, Texas, but as speculation grows about when he might go pro, one key NFL insider just threw cold water on any early draft talk.
Arch Manning Following in the Family’s Footsteps
Both Eli and Peyton Manning had incredible collegiate careers that turned into unbelievable professional résumés. As some of the greatest quarterbacks ever, the Manning family dynasty has been a success at virtually every stop.
Arch, their nephew, is now charting a similar course. He’s already 2–0 as a starter and earned SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors, prompting whispers that he could make the jump to the NFL sooner than expected
NFL insider Adam Schefter was on ESPN’s “Get Up” and discussed the situation. Contrary to expectations, he doesn’t think Arch is rushing to the league anytime soon.
“First of all, there’s no guarantees that Arch Manning’s coming out after next year. It sounds like he certainly could be staying beyond next year. I’m not a college football insider, but none of the Mannings ever went out early, and I don’t know, with NIL [Name, Image, and Likeness] money being what it is, why Arch would do that,” Schefter said.
“So, all of this conversation about tanking for Arch next year, he could be in the draft in 2027, not even next year.”
Arch currently leads all college athletes in NIL valuation, according to On3, sitting at an estimated $6.5 million. With that kind of money already rolling in, there’s no financial urgency to leave school early.
“Arch Manning wants to be in the program for four years, he wants to develop — there’s no rush to get to the NFL. … They know that’s going to be a talking point, but they’ve already tried to settle that before it even gets started,” Schefter said.
Peyton, during his time with Tennessee, spent four years with the program, accumulating a legendary résumé. His brother, Eli, went further, staying with the Ole Miss Rebels for five years and earning multiple accolades.
It remains to be seen how the newest addition to the Manning family dynasty fares at the collegiate level and, more importantly, how long he stays. But if history and Schefter are any indication, NFL fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the next Manning under center.