Despite his immense potential, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is not considered a lock to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, with growing sentiment suggesting he may follow his uncles\' path by spending multiple seasons as a starter in college.
Manning, who started two games as a redshirt freshman in 2024 while Quinn Ewers was injured, completed 67.8 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns with just two interceptions. He also demonstrated dual-threat capabilities, rushing 25 times for 108 yards and four touchdowns, and continued to see action in specific run packages even after Ewers returned. Manning replaces Ewers as the Longhorns\' starting quarterback in 2025.
\"We\'re not going to get to Arch,\" said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. on Adam Schefter\'s podcast. \"I think Arch will go back. I don\'t know if the Mannings will allow Arch after one year as a starter to come out. Peyton and Eli went back.\"
Both Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch\'s uncles, chose to play four full seasons of college football despite being eligible to declare after their junior years, establishing a family precedent that could influence Arch\'s decision.
Kiper expressed uncertainty about Manning\'s readiness after limited collegiate experience, noting: \"We don\'t know what Arch is going to be. He only played in three games against some bad teams.\"