Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning put to rest any idea that he will enter the 2026 NFL Draft by announcing his return to the school for the 2026 college football season.
The news was via a text from his dad, Cooper Manning, who texted ESPN’s Dave Wilson with the confirmation of his son playing another season at Texas. This news isn’t surprising at all given the struggles of Manning to begin the season. With a lack of starting quarterback experience, the expectations may have been too high for Manning entering the season.
What couldn’t be ignored, however, is the talent Manning possesses. Yes, he has the name and the talent, but for him to have made himself available for the 2026 NFL Draft, he would’ve had to have a Heisman type season. Even then, it may have taken him leading the Texas Longhorns to the national championship. Now, he will have an opportunity to accomplish both and much more in 2026.
Arch Manning was always destined for the 2027 NFL Draft
The decision will have NFL quarterback hungry teams looking towards a 2027 NFL Draft that is looking dynamic in QB talent with Manning returning to Texas as well as LaNorris Sellers taking his talents back to South Carolina. It is also a decision Texas coach Steve Sarkisian covets as he feels his QB could use the additional year to grow and learn the game.
“He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise,” Sarkisian said during a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl media event. “I would think he’s going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL. And he’s got some unfinished business of what he came here to do and what he came here to accomplish.”
Despite the early season struggles, Manning did have some wow moments, including a four-touchdown game in a 52-37 win over Arkansas. In all, Arch Manning threw for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Now the 6-foot-4, 219-pound QB can work on getting even better and becoming the face of the 2027 NFL Draft.
With that said, teams who miss out on top talent in the 2026 NFL Draft like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore can turn their attention to 2027. Teams like the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets may have their eye on Manning and the QB prospects of the 2027 draft if they miss out on either Mendoza or Moore.
Some other teams to keep an eye on are the Arizona Cardinals who are trending towards parting ways with Kyler Murray, the Minnesota Vikings who still have hope for J.J. McCarthy, the New Orleans Saints who will take a longer look at Tyler Shough and the Indianapolis Colts who found something in Daniel Jones, but a season-ending torn Achilles tendon throws his 2026 return up in the air.
With the depth in talent projected for the QB position in 2027, there will be a great opportunity for Manning to land in a spot he can flourish right away, especially with a full season as a starter under his belt.