Arch Manning’s future becomes clearer: Former NFL scout predicts the three successes he will achieve without Quinn Ewers in his way

As the dust settles from the 2025 NFL Draft, the focus among college football analysts is already shifting toward next year’s quarterback prospects and according to former NFL scout Daniel Kelly,Arch Manning‘s name is one that stands above the rest.

Kelly, who made headlines during the previous draft cycle for his extensive coverage and bold takes on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, is now zeroing in on the Texas Longhorns‘ new starting quarterback.

Arch Manning, the latest talent to emerge from football’s most iconic quarterback family, is stepping into the spotlight in Austin with the pressure of legacy, expectations, and championship dreams resting firmly on his shoulders.

But Kelly believes Manning is ready-not just to take the reins from outgoing starter Quinn Ewers, but to dominate college football.

“When I first started studying Arch Manning, I thought, ‘He’s got a long ways to go,'” Kelly said via the FIRST ROUND MOCK X account. “But by the time I had studied all of the games he played in, I said to myself, ‘Texas is going to win the National Championship, he’s going to win the Heisman and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.'”

A new era begins in Austin

After redshirting his freshman year and serving as the backup during the 2024 season, Manning now steps into the QB1 role at Texas following Ewers‘ decision to go pro. The Longhorns have built an elite roster around him, filled with playmakers on both sides of the ball and anchored by one of the top offensive lines in college football.

All eyes are now on the 19-year-old quarterback to see if he can carry Texas into the College Football Playoff and beyond.

While Manning‘s name alone brings hype-being the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning-his early reviews as a collegiate passer were mixed. Some critics questioned whether he was overrated due to his pedigree. But recent offseason scrimmages and team workouts have reportedly shown his growth, with coaches praising his improved footwork, accuracy, and command of the offense.

The 2025 season won’t be short on challenges for Texas. They’ll open the year against Ohio State in a high-stakes, nationally televised matchup, and they’ll need Manning to shine against top SEC defenses throughout the regular season. But if Kelly‘s prediction is right, Manning won’t just hold his own-he’ll thrive.