On Tuesday at the Texas Football media availability, young phenom quarterback Arch Manning set the record straight on his intentions for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Manning mentioned that he’s focused on taking his football career one step at a time while he’s on the No. 1 Texas roster. The 21-year-old quarterback’s comments came after his grandfather, Archie Manning, made headlines for comments about Arch not declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft and remaining a Longhorn for another year.
Arch Manning’s Comments Draw Reactions From NFL Fans
These remarks make headlines just weeks before Arch is slated to become the starting quarterback for Texas ahead of them taking on No. 3 Ohio State in the Longhorns’ Aug. 30 season opener.
And while Manning is certainly content with leaving the door open for his future, how are fans reacting to the “will he or won’t he” situation surrounding the 2026 draft?
The Athletic reported that Archie had told Texas Monthly magazine earlier this month that he hadn’t talked to Arch about his upcoming decision regarding the NFL Draft, but that he remained confident anyway that Arch wouldn’t declare.
As mentioned, Arch set the record straight that he doesn’t yet know his plans for the particular draft.
#Texas QB Arch Manning asked about Archie Manning’s comments about Arch for sure being at Texas for two years. @ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/p1b8Rc9CXu
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) August 19, 2025
Fans have since tuned in with their opinions, with many expressing hope that if he declares, he could potentially become an Indianapolis Colt.
“Colts are tanking for Arch Manning, aren’t they?” one fan asked on X.
Colts are tanking for Arch Manning aren’t they pic.twitter.com/mgT7cO86QC
— Ma (@10dimes_) August 19, 2025
“Arch Manning would look really good in an Indianapolis Colts jersey,” another said.
Arch Manning would look really good in an Indianapolis Colts jersey
— Unbiased Colts Fan (@UnbiasedColtFan) August 19, 2025
Many other fans followed suit and also chimed in on the fact that while they yearn for Arch to be wearing the blue and white, they think it’s something the 6’4″ quarterback also wishes for.
“The same day the Colts announced Daniel Jones is their starter, Arch Manning said he may enter the 2026 NFL Draft …” said another fan.
The same day the Colts announced Daniel Jones is their starter, Arch Manning said he may enter the 2026 NFL Draft…👀
— TheColtsTalks (@TheColtsTalks) August 19, 2025
“Buddy got news of the Colts tank,” said a fan.
Buddy got news of the Colts tank https://t.co/nebiRZJmhg
— Logan (@SconnieColt) August 19, 2025
However, not all social media noise surrounding this particular Arch situation was positive, with others expressing views that were less optimistic.
“He’ll go back to college if the Colts are gonna pick him. Colts are the new Browns,” another fan said.
He’ll go back to college if the Colts are gonna pick him. Colts are the new Browns
— J (@AdmAdderall) August 19, 2025
“Wouldn’t want that dumpster fire,” said one fan.
wouldnt want that dumpster fire
— hector (@hectorangel921) August 19, 2025
Manning has made two starts and thrown for 969 career yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions in 12 games so far in his college career. In addition to the Longhorns’ season opener against Ohio State, Texas will also see play against Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M as other noteworthy games on the schedule.
