Chad Johnson gave a brutal reality check for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and his ongoing season, which has fallen short of expectations. Manning lost his second game of the season last week against the Florida Gators, 29-21. He threw two interceptions and two touchdowns while getting sacked six times.
This loss will sting Manning a lot as many analysts has started to question his hype. The quarterback was discussed on Monday’s Nightcap podcast and Johnson took the opportunity of what the 2025 season could mean for Manning and whether he should consider entering the 2026 NFL draft.
“Now, despite what all the analysts say, all the people say, and with the praises and how you’re supposed to be, he’s going to need a year like this,” Johnson said (1:28). “He’s going to need a year like this with some bumps — some bumps and bruises and grinding — and getting familiar with what’s going on this year.
“And maybe next year, he will come back much better, having a year under his belt to get familiar with the speed of the game, being able to process things a little faster, know what’s coming, and know some of the nuances and what you can and can’t do as far as taking chances with the ball.”
Johnson suggested that it will be interest for Manning to spend another year in college football rather enter the 2026 NFL draft. This year’s experience will help him next year to elevate himself in the position before entering the 2027 NFL draft.
Arch Manning Eligible To Enter NFL Draft Next Year
As far as eligibility goes, Arch Manning will be eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft since he would have completed three years in college. However, whether will he do so remains a question.
His grandfather and NFL legend Archie Manning previously said that he would like his grandson to remain with Texas for one more season beyond 2025. However, Arch later clarified that he has yet to give a thought about that and is contemplating the decision over the 2025 season.
“Yeah, I don’t know where he got that from,” Arch said about his grandfather Archie. “He texted me and apologized about that. I’m really just taking it day-by-day right now.”
By the looks of it, Arch Manning’s draft stock isn’t helping given his start in 2025. He still has time to change things around but losing to Florida has raised questions around his top tier quarterback status.
Read More News:
Stephen A. Smith Minces No Words on Arch Manning Not Being Worthy of Massive $6.8M NIL Valuation
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!
