Texas quarterback Arch Manning is entering his first season as the starter for the Longhorns. After two seasons playing behind Quinn Ewers as the backup, he is finally getting the chance to step into the starting role. Many analysts and fans believe he could play one season and then enter the draft as the projected No. 1 pick. However, there have been rumors from the Manning camp that he could stay in college for another season.
Both Peyton and Eli Manning famously stayed in college for four seasons before becoming the No. 1 picks in their respective drafts. Eli famously told the Chargers, who had the first pick in 2004, he would not play for them if they drafted him. They picked him but traded him to the New York Giants immediately.
On Thursday, former Heisman winner Cam Newton spoke about Arch Manning making a similar move on the “4th&1 with Cam Newton” podcast.
“The thing that I do know the Manning lineage to do is to be extremely intentional about how they move and maneuver, not just in football but in business,” Cam Newton said (39:20). “And it has to make sense. Primarily, it ain’t got to make sense, it got to make dollars.”
“So, when you’re looking at this type of situation, you might have to consider, given the right circumstance,” he added. “If Arch Manning goes and has a hell of a season at Texas, you only really need one good season. Let a market be available for a potential team to have a number one pick capability.”
Cam Newton went on to discuss how Arch Manning’s decision to go back to college could be dependent on the team that is drafting first overall next season. If it is a team that Arch and the rest of the Manning family are comfortable with him going to, they could enter the draft. However, if they do not like the teams at the top of the draft, they might choose to return for another season at Texas.
Arch Manning Is the Early Heisman Favorite
Despite never starting a full season at the college level, the hype for Arch Manning is high. According to FanDuel, he has the best odds of winning the Heisman Trophy at +750. He leads a trio of QBs at the top of the betting odds, including Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who both have +900 odds.
Manning started two games last season and played significant minutes in three. He came in relief for Quinn Ewers after he suffered an injury against UTSA. He then started the following two games against UL Monroe and Mississippi State before Ewers returned. In those three games, Manning completed 50 of 72 passing attempts for 806 yards and eight TDs.
Arch Manning will have a difficult first test this season. The Longhorns will kick off their season against Ohio State on Aug. 30.
Read More:
- 2025 Manning Award: 3 Stars Who Can Steal Spotlight as Arch Manning Misses Out on Namesake Honor
- Arch Manning’s Dad Cooper Manning Sends Blunt 3-Word Message to Paul Finebaum’s Massive Claims About Texas QB
- Arch Manning Transfer: 3 Season Scenarios That Could Trigger a Move After Archie Manning’s NFL Draft Verdict
