Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning ought to hold his household group chat up to date about his resolution for the 2026 NFL Draft. He does not need it tipping his plans, particularly after they’re not confirmed.
Manning’s grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, told Texas Monthly his grandson is not going to declare for the 2026 draft in a narrative revealed originally of August. The 21-year-old passer, nonetheless, clarified he is holding his choices open.
“I do not know the place he received that from,” Manning mentioned Tuesday, by way of CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. “He texted me and apologized about that, however I am actually simply taking it day-by-day proper now.”
Manning tried simply 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas however is already considered as a possible No. 1 choose within the 2026 draft. In a narrative revealed Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler tabbed him as his prime QB coming into the season.
Nonetheless, it could reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would need to play for a group that has a secure head-coaching scenario and entrance workplace. Most franchises which are choosing close to the highest of the draft haven’t got that.
Extra importantly, Manning should show he is worthy of the No. 1 choose. Regardless of his household title, he does not have a big sufficient pattern dimension to indicate he is pro-ready.
“If his final title have been ‘Smith’ and he have been a three-star recruit as an alternative of a five-star blue-chipper, would he nonetheless seem this excessive early in draft rankings? Who is aware of,” wrote Brugler. “Nevertheless, what he has placed on movie up to now has been very spectacular. Now, scouts have to see it persistently every week, particularly towards the highest opponents on Texas’ schedule.”
Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at midday ET (Fox).
The QB ought to most likely inform his household to deflect questions in regards to the draft till he is able to decide. Hypothesis about his future may create much more strain, which he does not want.
