There has been a lot of chatter around Arch Manning’s future recently. The 21-year-old is about to be the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns for the first time. But people are more interested in knowing when he will appear in the NFL Draft.
Many have speculated that this will be his last season, and he’ll be in the NFL in 2026. However, his grandfather, Archie Manning, recently put an end to all speculations with a comment.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” Archie Manning told Texas Monthly. “He’ll be at Texas (next season too).”
Todd McShay, on Monday’s episode of “The McShay Show,” analyzed the comment and outlined why Manning wouldn’t stay in college after 2026. He said:
“I don’t know that everyone quite understands is, what his day-to-day life of being Arch is in Austin, Texas. And it’s no fault of anyone’s.” (6:42)
McShay stated that Texas is well-equipped for Manning, but the moment he steps out, he sees a fan frenzy.
“But at the end of the day, … he’s so generous with his time, he’s so kind … it’s going to wear on anyone. The bubble’s a lot smaller and more intense where you go to get a bottle of water from a 7-11 and there’s 15 selfies and videos and you just feel like you can’t breathe sometimes.”
As per McShay, Arch Manning and his renowned family would also be looking at the quality of life he can enjoy in the NFL. Needless to say, he is ready to step up and is expected to be a top draft pick. At the same time, spending more time in college as a QB1 would also be beneficial for Manning.
But there are several factors attached to him that don’t apply to most athletes. So, even if he steps into the NFL in 2026, it’ll be an understandable decision.
Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Arch Manning would spend two years as a starting QB
In July 30th episode of ESPN’s First Draft, Mel Kiper Jr. discussed the Manning family’s tradition when it comes to their time in college. He stated that it has been an unwritten tradition in the family for players to spend two full years as starters in college.
Since Arch Manning is only now getting the starting QB nod, Kiper Jr. claimed that Manning would be back again in Texas next year. He said:
“Normally, the Mannings want to have two full years as a starter, not just one as a sample size in preparation for the NFL,” Kiper Jr. said. “Now, this is his year to really shine, starting out with the National Champion Buckeyes on their field.” (6:23)
Like most analysts, Kiper Jr. also has complete faith in Arch Manning’s talent. He stated that the 21-year-old is more like his father, Cooper Manning. His ability to run and be a multi-dimensional dual-threat quarterback is what makes Manning truly special.
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