Arch Manning, the highly anticipated quarterback from the University of Texas, is expected to be one of the top picks in the NFL Draft when he becomes eligible, but the timeline for his arrival in the league may be longer than many teams expect.
The rising star will be entering his redshirt sophomore season in 2025, but his potential entry into the NFL isn’t as imminent as some might hope.
Arch Manning’s commitment to Texas and his future
Although Arch Manning has been one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks, he’s not in any rush to enter the NFL. Manning’s family has a history of players who stuck it out in college for the full four years.
His uncles, Peyton and Eli, both spent four years playing for their respective colleges-Tennessee and Ole Miss-before moving on to their successful NFL careers. The Manning family values education and long-term development, and Arch’s approach is expected to follow suit.
Manning, who dreams of leading the Texas Longhorns to a national title, might not be ready to leave school anytime soon. With the opportunity to earn significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money while at Texas, Manning has no financial urgency to turn pro early.
His grandfather, Archie Manning, has also encouraged Arch to stay in college for at least three full seasons, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter believes teams will have to bide their time when it comes to making Arch a pro player.
“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,” said Schefter.
“So, all of this conversation about “tanking for Arch next year,” he could be in the draft in 2027, not even next year.”
Manning still developing his game
Additionally, Manning is still developing his skills. Despite being the No. 1 recruit in his class, he has yet to start a game as the primary quarterback at Texas, sitting behind Quinn Ewers. A strong 2025 season will be key to his growth, and it is likely that Manning will remain at Texas through at least the 2026 season, if not beyond.
As teams consider their future at quarterback, those hoping to land Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft will likely be disappointed. It is far more probable that Manning will enter the NFL in 2027 or later. Therefore, NFL teams looking to tank for a chance to draft him next year may find themselves waiting longer than they anticipated.
