A familiar name may be circling back to where it all began – and it could be part of a long-term plan in the Big Easy.
Arch Manning, arguably the biggest star in all of college football, is already being projected to be drafted by his hometown New Orleans Saints.
With veteran Derek Carr announcing his retirement in somewhat shocking fashion, the Saints suddenly find themselves in quarterback limbo.
The current battle for the starting role includes second-round pick Tyler Shough, 2023 draftee Jake Haener, and former South Carolina star Spencer Rattler.
But none of the trio has yet convinced fans – or the front office – that they’re a long-term solution under center.
Arch, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Saints icon Archie Manning, has deep roots in New Orleans.
He attended Isidore Newman High School – the same prep powerhouse where his uncles and father, Cooper, once starred – and shattered their high school passing records along the way.
Entering the upcoming season with legitimate Heisman Trophy hype, Arch will try to lead the Texas Longhorns to a national title.
While it’s far from a sure thing that Manning will leave Austin after this season, there are some who feel he may do just that IF the Saints wind up with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
The idea of Arch returning to the Superdome – the same building where his grandfather became a Saints legend in the 1970s – feels more like destiny than coincidence to some.
Archie Manning started at quarterback for New Orleans from 1971 to 1982, made multiple Pro Bowls, and was widely regarded as the face of the franchise during its early years.
His iconic No. 8 jersey has never been officially retired, but it hasn’t been worn since he left the team. It’s easy to imagine the franchise passing that torch down to Arch, both symbolically and literally.
Arch chose Texas over a long list of elite programs, opting to carve his own path instead of following in the footsteps of his famous family members.
As the world knows, Peyton went to Tennessee, while Archie, Eli and Cooper all went to Ole Miss.
Arch has showed great patience and maturity in Austin, as he waited for his chance to shine behind starter Quinn Ewers.
Now that time has come and Longhorn fans couldn’t possibly be more excited…
Though nothing is official – and NFL draft order is always a moving target – the possibility of the Saints positioning themselves to draft Arch Manning as soon as next year is a very real scenario.
From Archie to Peyton and Eli, the Manning name has shaped football history. Now, with Arch rising and New Orleans still in need of a franchise quarterback, the stars may be aligning for an all-time sports story.
What are your thoughts on all of the “tank for Arch” talk surrounding the Saints? … Will we see a Manning under center once again in New Orleans???
