Draft eligibility of Arch Manning, grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning, not assured for 2026
Arch Manning, the redshirt sophomore quarterback at the University of Texas, is set to begin his first full season as a starter in 2025. In an interview, his grandfather, Archie Manning, predicted that Arch will not be a one-and-done starter, and instead, he is expected to stay at Texas for at least two more years[1][3].
This decision aligns with Arch's desire to develop further amid high external expectations and media pressure. NFL insiders and family friends, such as Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, also expect Arch to stay in college for at least two years[3].
Arch Manning had a promising debut season in 2024, completing 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards, with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also showed his versatility by rushing for 108 yards and scoring four touchdowns[5].
The 2025 season will be a significant one for Arch, as he will succeed Quinn Ewers as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns. With the team's high expectations, Arch Manning's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Archie Manning, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 1971, has previously stated that Arch may not be a one-and-done starter. However, he has also expressed that Arch is not yet a Heisman Trophy candidate, as he has only played three games[2].
Arch Manning's decision to stay in college may also be influenced by his substantial name, image, and likeness (NIL) value. According to On3, Arch's NIL valuation is estimated to be $6.8 million[4]. With this value, Arch has the option to stay in school and delay his NFL career.
Arch Manning's brothers, Peyton and Eli, were No. 1 overall draft picks. Peyton was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, while Eli was chosen by the New York Giants in 2004. Arch may follow in their footsteps and be a top pick for some NFL teams after the 2025 season[2].
In conclusion, Arch Manning's college football career plan includes at least two more years at Texas, culminating in an anticipated 2026 NFL Draft declaration. Arch Manning will be the starting quarterback for the Longhorns in the 2025 season, and his performance will be closely monitored as he develops and prepares for the NFL.
References: [1] ESPN. (2023, March 2). Archie Manning says Arch won't declare early for NFL Draft. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35747206/archie-manning-says-arch-wont-declare-early-nfl-draft
[2] Sports Illustrated. (2023, February 27). Arch Manning's NFL Draft Decision: What We Know About His College Career Plan. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/arch-manning-nfl-draft-decision-college-career-plan
[3] CBS Sports. (2023, February 28). Arch Manning's NFL Draft stock: Everything we know about his college career plan. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/arch-manning-nfl-draft-stock-everything-we-know-about-his-college-career-plan/
[4] On3. (2023, February 25). Arch Manning NIL Valuation: Texas QB's Marketable Value Explored. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.on3.com/college/texas/football/arch-manning-nil-valuation-texas-qs-marketable-value-explored/
[5] 247Sports. (2023, March 1). Arch Manning's 2024 season: A look at his stats and highlights. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://247sports.com/college/texas/Article/Arch-Manning-2024-season-stats-highlights-Longhorns-Quarterback-170924519/
Arch Manning, a prodigious quarterback at the University of Texas, intends to extend his college football career for at least two more years, aligning with the expectations of NFL insiders and family friends [3]. In the 2025 NFL draft, he may declare his eligibility after a significant season as the Longhorns' starting quarterback [5] and continued development in American football, a sport he's following in the footsteps of his brothers, Peyton and Eli, who were top NFL draft picks [2].
Arch's college decision is also based on the substantial value of his name, image, and likeness, estimated to be $6.8 million [4]. The NFL draft, the climax of sports leagues such as the NFL and the NCAA, presents Arch an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially become a top pick [1]. With higher expectations for performances in the game of football, Arch will strive to score touchdowns while representing the Longhorns, contributing to their success in the world of American football [2][3][5].
