NFL teams eyeing Texas quarterback Arch Manning as a potential franchise savior in the 2026 draft might need to hit pause on their plans.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the highly-touted prodigy may not declare for the NFL after his junior season, opting instead to return to college for a senior year – a decision that would push his eligibility to the 2027 draft.
“First of all, there’s no guarantees that Arch Manning’s coming out after next year,” Schefter said. “It sounds like he certainly could be staying beyond next year. 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.”
Schefter’s comments come amid speculation that some NFL teams – particularly the Cleveland Browns – may be keeping Manning in mind as they approach the upcoming season.
Cleveland currently holds the No. 2 overall pick but are facing a weak quarterback class and limited free-agent options.
“It’s such a weak quarterback draft and free-agency class at the position. Is there a temptation to suck for Arch Manning?” an executive told The Athletic, hinting that the Browns could be in tank-mode in 2025.
Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli, was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class.
After spending two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, Manning is finally poised to lead Texas as the starting quarterback this upcoming season.
Though his collegiate experience is limited, he showed flashes of brilliance last season, completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, and rushing for 108 yards and four additional scores.
He’ll be immediately tested when the Longhorns open their season on the road against reigning national champion Ohio State – a marquee matchup that could fast-track both his Heisman and NFL Draft buzz.
But while NFL scouts will be watching closely, the decision to go pro now comes with added complexity. With NIL compensation booming, top college athletes like Manning no longer face the same urgency to declare early.
Needless to say, Cleveland’s quarterback room is currently a bit of a mess.
Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-rupturing his Achilles, and the team’s only notable move so far has been trading for Kenny Pickett.
While prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders remain in play at No. 2, the Browns may choose to hold off and build around other positions.
However, the gamble of waiting on Manning could backfire – not only might he stay in school, but as one executive noted, there’s no guarantee he’d be willing to play in Cleveland even if available.
“You are not guaranteed Arch Manning is going to come out, or that he will agree to go to Cleveland, so my guess is they draft a quarterback this year,” the exec told The Athletic. “If you were tanking, I don’t know why you would give Myles Garrett all that money.”
Arch Manning will be the talk of the college football world this upcoming season.
It should be noted that Manning’s legendary grandfather, Archie, previously stated that the plan is for Arch to spend two more years in Austin.
In other words, the idea that Manning won’t be entering the 2026 draft shouldn’t be shocking to anyone. While things could always change, the crumbs are there.
What do you think Manning will end up doing? … Can you see teams tanking for Arch next season despite the obvious risk???
