Recently, NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller stirred the pot with a bold prediction: Arch Manning, who is the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew to NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, might not declare for the NFL Draft until 2028. This timeline, which pushes his professional debut further than many would have been expected, has got fans debating.
For those unfamiliar with the hype, Manning entered college football as one of the most celebrated high school prospects in recent memory. After enrolling at the Texas in 2023, he spent his first season at the program as a backup, biding his time behind veteran quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Matt Miller Suggests Arch Manning Might Not Enter NFL Draft Until 2028
Miller, one of the prominent and leading voices in NFL Draft analysis at ESPN, has proposed that Manning’s journey to the pros might not occur until the 2028 NFL Draft.
It feels like a good time to remind people that Arch Manning has three years of eligibility remaining—and that both Peyton and Eli used all their college eligibility.
I won’t be doing any draft work on Arch for 2026. He’s probably a 2027 player. He could be a 2028 player.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 29, 2025
“It feels like a good time to remind people that Arch Manning has three years of eligibility remaining—and that both Peyton and Eli used all their college eligibility. I won’t be doing any draft work on Arch for 2026. He’s probably a 2027 player. He could be a 2028 player,” Miller said.
This projection contrasts with the eagerness of some who expect him to declare as early as 2026, his first year of eligibility after completing the mandatory three years post-high school.
Miller’s stance, when viewed from the standpoint of history, is more of a family tradition and strategic career planning.
“I keep telling people he’s a 2027 guy. So, let’s cool our heads a little bit on the Arch talk,” Miller said while speaking on ESPN’s College GameDay Podcast.
While Miller references 2027 as a key year, implying Manning’s final college season, the corresponding draft would be in spring 2028.
Miller’s prediction draws significantly on the Manning family playbook. Peyton and Eli Manning spent a reasonable amount of time in college, capitalizing on experience over an early exit.
Peyton famously returned to Tennessee for his senior year in 1997, forgoing a near-certain top pick status to refine his game.
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Eli, meanwhile, started for three seasons at Ole Miss before entering the 2004 NFL Draft. Miller suggests Arch could follow suit, opting for at least two full seasons as a starter before considering the pros.
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