Arch Manning has been one of the most talked-about players in sports over the offseason, as fans and media gear up to watch the former No. 1 overall recruit and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning begin his first season as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
This week, his grandfather, Archie Manning, who played 14 seasons in the NFL, said he doesn’t believe Arch will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after just one year as Texas’s starter. The comment drew backlash from fans, who are clearly growing tired of the constant coverage surrounding Arch.
Archie Manning’s Comments Spark ‘Arch Fatigue’ Among College Football Fans
The Texas quarterback once again made headlines this morning after Archie made it clear that he doesn’t believe his grandson will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
NEW: Archie Manning predicts grandson Arch will not declare for 2026 NFL Draft:
“Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas.”
(via @TexasMonthly)https://t.co/hawuy5yH43 pic.twitter.com/EjzDo7vv3E
— On3 (@On3sports) August 7, 2025
“Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas,” Archie said.
Fans quickly reacted to the comment, with many expressing frustration that it even made headlines.
One fan posted on X, questioning why Arch Manning’s NFL future is even a topic of discussion at this point. “Why is this a conversation?” the fan asked.
Why is this a conversation?
— ℍ𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕥𝕠𝕟⚡️ (@HamDawg115) August 7, 2025
Other fans argued that Manning’s NFL future shouldn’t be a topic at all, pointing out that he hasn’t proven anything yet, with the 2025 season set to be his first full year as a college starter. “Of course. He’s not good enough for the NFL yet,” one person posted on X.
Of course. He’s not good enough for the NFL yet.
— Joseph Michael (@RegalMill388) August 7, 2025
“Arch is overrated anyways,” another fan added.
Arch is overrated anyways 😭😭
— 𝑪𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝑫𝒖𝒃𝒔 (@CocksDubs) August 7, 2025
Another frustrated fan pointed out that Archie’s comment isn’t even newsworthy.
RELATED: Arch Manning Hype Not Enough As Analyst Points to Pressing SEC Concern Holding Texas Back
It’s easy to see why fans are frustrated with all the attention Arch Manning gets, especially since they are right that he hasn’t proven himself yet. The young quarterback spent the last two seasons behind Quinn Ewers at Texas and has only two career starts heading into the 2025 season.
Still, the constant spotlight isn’t necessarily his fault. With the Manning name, national attention was inevitable. Even Arch himself seemed tired of the noise and consistently has insisted that he hasn’t earned the attention.
Manning wants to earn everything on the field, and most college football fans agree that’s the right way to do it.
There was already speculation that he wouldn’t declare for the 2026 NFL Draft because, assuming no injuries, he will have only 14 college starts by the end of the 2025 regular season. Staying in school has proven benefits. Quarterbacks with significant college experience, such as Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, have enjoyed immediate success in the NFL.
Manning will have the entire season to consider his decision. For now, though, it’s clear that many fans are frustrated by all the talk before he has even started a full college season.
