Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, has been under the spotlight since his high school days. After a redshirt year in 2023, he served as the backup to Quinn Ewers in 2024, appearing in 10 games and starting two. With Ewers entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning is poised to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025.
He showcased his potential in limited action with 61 completions on 90 attempts (67.8%) for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also has 25 carries for 108 yards (4.3 avg.) and four touchdowns.
Whether or not he will be entering the NFL Draft in 2026 is up for debate.
Will Arch Manning Enter the 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite being eligible for the 2026 draft, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay predicts Manning will remain in college beyond the 2025 season.
“You may also notice that a familiar name is absent from this mock,” McShay writes. “I think that Arch Manning will remain in school after the 2025 season. The Mannings have a plan for Arch’s proper development, and both Peyton and Eli surprised many by returning to school for their respective final seasons in college.”
“Two full years of starting experience would be the bare minimum if I were making the decision—and I’m sure the Mannings would agree,” McShay reasons. “Plus, Arch won’t be taking much of a pay cut to stay in Austin, so it’s not as if he would override the family plan in pursuit of some personal payday. So there’s little doubt in my mind that Arch will return for 2026 (and he does have three years of eligibility remaining).”
He’s got a point. Both of Arch’s uncles stayed in school for their senior years and were more fully developed by the time they entered the NFL. Peyton started for the Indianapolis Colts in week one of his rookie year in 1998. Eli became the New York Giants’ starter in week 10 of 2004. They finished their careers with a combined five Super Bowl appearances and four Super Bowl wins.
Also Read:Â NFL Analysts Throw Cold Water on Narrative That Texas QB Arch Manning Will Declare For 2026 Draft
In the absence of Arch Manning, McShay predicts these quarterbacks go in the first round:
1) New York Jets: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Nussmeier has strong arm talent and top-notch leadership qualities. His ability to engineer comebacks and perform under pressure would be welcome on a franchise that craves stability and clutch play.Â
4) Los Angeles Rams (from Titans): QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with impressive rushing ability, elite athleticism, and high-level playmaking skills. The Rams’ need a potential successor to Matthew Stafford sooner rather than later.
5) Cleveland Browns: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Klubnik is a mobile pocket passer with solid arm strength and accuracy. He extends plays and makes throws on the run, making him a prime example of the modern quarterback.​
7) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
Allar possesses prototypical size and arm strength for the NFL. His pocket presence and arm talent fit the mold the Raiders need for a long-term solution at quarterback.