Even though that his beginnings in the college season are not being the best, Arch Manning continues to be the center topic of debate as a possible first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with insiders reportedly willing to “forgive” his recent mistakes at Texas for what he might end up being and bringing to the football culture.
NFL scouts, feel that Manning’s size, arm talent, football IQ, and family name may make the mid performances he has had playing as a starter quarterback for the Longhorns team. Analyst Andrew Perloff for Athlon Sports wrote:
NFL teams will have no trouble overlooking Arch Manning’s 2025 frustrations and counting on his tremendous physical tools
The report is just the most recent in Manning’s waves of criticism for decision-making and turnovers in Texas’s most recent string of games. Scouts, though, seem more concerned about his long-term potential than short-term performances, something that has paid off nicely for young quarterbacks.
NFL bet on potential, not perfection
Manning’s growth has been watched closely since he replaced Steve Sarkisian on a full-time basis, and the expectations were enormous considering his family history. Even so, in the limelight, several analysts feel that highly drafted teams will appreciate and put more focus on what they can take out of his bloodline and ability over his lack of experience.
As ‘Athlon Sports‘ observed, even if Manning is not having a Heisman-quality season, NFL front offices might still consider him a franchise quarterback of the future, as guy who simply needs the proper system and time to develop.
A familiar Manning narrative
As did his uncles, Peyton and Eli, Arch’s career had faults. But while the college tape shows deficiencies, the NFL’s affinity for quarterback ability keeps his draft value intact going into 2026.
Manning’s NFL trajectory may not be spotless, but scouts still imagine another Manning sitting at the top of the NFL throne. His career can be an example that in football, like in life sometimes, promise tends to overrule perfection.
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