With one month now passed since the 2025 NFL Draft, many experts and football analysts alike have begun looking at the 2026 NFL Draft class. The 2026 NFL Draft class is expected to be very deep in the quarterback position.
While Arch Manning was leading the pack out of the quarterback class, he has now fallen to the No. 4 overall pick in the latest 2026 NFL Draft prediction from CBS Sports. So, who is the new No. 1 pick, and more importantly, who is the new QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class?
Arch Manning Slips in New 2026 Mock Draft as a New Name Takes the QB1 Spot
Arch Manning dropped to No. 4 in CBS Sports’ latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. This happened without even seeing Manning or any of the players scheduled to be a part of the 2026 NFL Draft taking the field yet. So, who jumped ahead of him as the new QB1?
ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱
It’s the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024
Manning is now predicted to go at No. 4 overall to the New York Jets, but he is the second of four quarterbacks to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jets will almost certainly be in the market for a quarterback, and Manning landing there could certainly be an ideal spot for the current Texas Longhorns quarterback.
Manning could very well follow in the footsteps of his uncle Eli Manning by playing in the Big Apple. Manning will replace 2025 starter, Justin Fields for the Jets, who hope Manning turns out to be better than the last quarterback they took in the top five, Zach Wilson in the 2021 NFL Draft.
However, since he is the second overall quarterback to go in the 2026 NFL Draft, he was predicted to go first. Look no further than Garrett Nussmeier, who is predicted to go at No. 1 to the New Orleans Saints.
Manning is no longer Tom Fornelli’s QB1 at the moment. That would be Garrett Nussmeier of the LSU Tigers. Nussmeier impressed with his arm strength, footwork, and pocket presence in 2024. There is one more difference maker between Nussmeier and Manning: experience.
Nussmeier started in 13 games last season, Manning started two. Another big question is, will the Saints pass on Manning if he were there after taking his grandfather, Archie Manning, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft?
KEEP READING: Analyst Joel Klatt Drops Bold Truth About Arch Manning vs. Quinn Ewers
It remains to be seen how things may change come the 2025-26 season, when these quarterbacks finally take the field. Some will rise higher, and others may fall flat on their face.
These “way-too-early” 2026 NFL Draft predictions have Nussmeier going first overall, with Manning only the second of four quarterbacks to be picked up in the first round. This could certainly change as it gets closer.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
