Recently, rumors have started circulating that teams might opt to skip the quarterback position early in this year’s draft. This has sparked speculation that teams could be willing to delay addressing their immediate needs at the position, potentially in favor of targeting a more appealing future prospect.
Arch Manning’s 2025 season is already generating significant hype, but NFL insiders have warned that teams eyeing Manning as a potential 2026 draft pick could ultimately be disappointed.
Are Teams Eyeing Arch Manning For 2026?
Manning’s family legacy would have drawn attention to him regardless of his talent level. As the nephew of Super Bowl-winning legends Peyton and Eli Manning, the young Texas prospect has big shoes to fill. However, all signs point to him possessing the skills necessary to rise to the occasion.
In 2024, Manning started two games, leading the Longhorns to two victories after Quinn Ewers was sidelined with an injury. Manning accumulated 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns, along with four additional rushing touchdowns. With Ewers heading to the NFL, Manning will have the opportunity to take the reins full-time next season, with many speculating that he will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
In a recent episode of “Up & Adams,” host Kay Adams questioned whether teams are hesitant to draft a quarterback in 2025 in the hope of landing Manning in 2026.
Albert Breer Suggests Arch Manning May Stay in College Beyond the 2025 Season
That isn’t the opinion of Breer, though, who questioned the idea that Manning would be in a rush to leave college.
“We need to stop talking about Arch Manning like he’s definitely coming out next year. The family’s history indicates he won’t rush to the NFL. Evidence shows quarterbacks have a better shot in the league the more they play in college. And Arch himself waited his turn for two years at Texas, in an era when players routinely bolt at the first sign of having to spend time on the bench. I’d be surprised, in the end, if he winds up in the 2026 draft class.”
Breer’s words should come as a stark warning to teams that may be making big decisions with Manning in mind. Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter agrees with Breer, casting doubt over the idea that Manning will declare early in a recent episode of “Get Up” on ESPN.
“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.”
While teams appear to be wavering on the idea of committing to one of the 2025 quarterback class, the idea of drafting Manning in 2026 may well be a mirage. While April is often speculation season ahead of the NFL Draft, it would appear that this recent theory has been quickly debunked.