Arch Manning has yet to experience a full college season as a starting quarterback, but many are already calling him a lock to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter says there is one big reason those predictions are a bit premature.
With the 2025 NFL Draft viewed as being very weak at quarterback, there has been talk that some QB-needy teams might prefer to wait until next year to address the position.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday morning, Schefter warned that teams should not automatically assume Manning will be available.
“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, as transcribed by Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report. “I’m not a college football insider, but none of the Mannings ever went out early, and I don’t know with NIL 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.”
Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the top two quarterbacks available this year, and they may wind up being the only two selected in the first round. It seems like the Tennessee Titans are planning to take Ward first overall, but it is possible that Sanders could tumble down the board.
The Cleveland Browns have the second overall pick, and they also need a quarterback. They are one of the teams that have been viewed as a possible wait-for-Arch candidate.
As Schefter mentioned, NIL money has changed the way top college athletes view their professional careers. Manning will make millions at Texas, so he should not feel any sense of urgency from a financial standpoint to begin his NFL career.
Manning went 61-of-90 (67.8 percent) for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions last season. He also rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, Manning is in line to start for the Longhorns.
Arch might be the most famous player to have never accomplished anything in college, but he is not letting any of that go to his head.