In two years with the Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning has generated a lot of buzz, despite starting only two games – both due to an injury to former starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Manning had standout moments in both appearances and led the team to victory.
Now, with Quinn Ewers heading to the NFL after being selected in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins, the time has finally come – even though Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has not made it official – for Manning to showcase his full talent in a prestigious program like the University of Texas.
The beginning won’t be easy for Arch Manning, as the Longhorns’ first game of the 2025 season will be against none other than the reigning national champions, Ohio State. From that very moment, he will need to prove why he’s the quarterback every NFL team wants in 2026.
Arch Manning’s projection is sky high
Last season, Manning played in 8 games, started 2, and completed 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, with 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also rushed for 108 yards and 4 touchdowns.
His best performance came against Mississippi State, where he threw for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns, and added another touchdown on the ground. Expectations are high, and analyst Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic ranked the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
“His size, arm talent, and movement skills are all ideal,” Baumgardner wrote. “More importantly, so is his process – Manning’s footwork is consistent, incredibly calm, and almost always in rhythm with the pass concept he’s executing.”
The analyst also noted that Manning has all the tools to become an NFL star, especially given his maturity at just 21 years old.
“An excellent processor for his age, Manning shows poise under pressure and already has put several examples on film of being able to move beyond a second (or even third) read from the pocket,” he wrote. “He’s athletic enough to be a threat as a scrambler and passer on the move, but his natural calm in the pocket will be what sets him apart long term.”
It’s still uncertain whether Arch Manning will declare for the next NFL Draft – he may follow in the footsteps of his uncles, Eli and Peyton Manning, who both played four years in college and entered the NFL as major stars. Both went on to win two Super Bowls.
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