The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, which means some football-loving sickos are already turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. Draft analysts widely regard Texas QB Arch Manning as the best player in the class, but it remains to be seen whether he will actually declare for the draft. Let’s examine the latest developments regarding Manning’s future and his plans.
Arch Manning May Not Declare for 2026 NFL Draft
In 2024, Manning started two games, leading the Longhorns to two victories after an injury sidelined Quinn Ewers. Manning threw for 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for four scores.
Now, with Ewers heading to the NFL, Manning will have the opportunity to take the reins full-time next season, and many are speculating that he will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, multiple NFL insiders have pumped the brakes and warned that Manning may stay in school rather than go pro.
“We need to stop talking about Arch Manning like he’s definitely coming out next year,” wrote SI’s Albert Breer. “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.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed this sentiment, casting doubt over the idea that Manning will declare early in a recent episode of “Get Up.”
“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,” Schefter said. “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.
“So, all of this conversation about tanking for Arch next year, he could be in the draft in 2027, not even next year.”
This aligns with what Pat McAfee said on “College GameDay” last year, when he revealed what the Manning family told him.
“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,” McAfee said.
It’s worth noting that Peyton spent four years at Tennessee, accumulating a legendary résumé. His brother, Eli, stayed with the Ole Miss Rebels for five years.
Now, all eyes will be on Arch to see what he decides to do.
