Texas’ young quarterback, Arch Manning, has yet to complete a full season in college football, and he’s already projected as one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. His potential has sparked conversations around the Dallas Cowboys, who could become the ideal team to pave his way into the professional league.
During the 2024 season, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian placed his trust in Manning following Quinn Ewers’ temporary injury. The promising quarterback responded with a 67.8% pass completion rate, totaling 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His stats and maturity have generated excitement ahead of the 2025 season, further fueling the debate about his NFL future.
Cowboys and Arch Manning share a connection
Although nothing guarantees that Manning will meet expectations in the NCAA, the Cowboys have quickly emerged as one of the leading candidates to draft him. The rumor gained traction when team legend Dez Bryant stated on social media that Arch will end up wearing the silver star helmet.
“Arch Manning will have a star on his helmet. No one can tell me otherwise,” Bryant wrote on X, making it clear that his confidence in the move is absolute.
Jerry Jones prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft
The outlook becomes even more intriguing when analyzing the front office’s strategy. Dallas still has Dak Prescott as its franchise quarterback, but his competitive window doesn’t seem to align with the team’s long-term plans. After the surprising trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Jerry Jones acquired valuable capital in first-round picks, giving him the flexibility to move up in the 2026 or even 2027 Draft.
According to voices like FOX’s Jason McIntyre, “all bets are off with Jerry Jones. The idea of Arch in Dallas is too enticing to dismiss.” Analysts like Doug Kezirian have even pointed out that the arrival of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach was another sign that the Cowboys are planning for a different offensive future.
The Manning family
The equation also seems to fit from a family perspective. Archie Manning, the quarterback’s grandfather, once mentioned the Cowboys as a dream scenario, although he later clarified that his words were misinterpreted. Nevertheless, the Manning family’s openness toward the Texas franchise was evident.
If Arch Manning were to land in Dallas, he wouldn’t just be playing in the Lone Star State-he’d be entering a top-tier media market. His uncle Eli knows exactly what it means to shine on a big stage, and all signs point to history possibly repeating itself with the family’s next rising star.
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