Texas quarterback Arch Manning tops the 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings despite never starting a full season for the Longhorns.
CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards ranked Manning No. 1 in his latest top 50 prospects to watch this season. The grandson of former Saints quarterback Archie Manning brings serious football bloodlines to Austin.
Manning’s uncle Peyton won two Super Bowls and five MVP awards during his Hall of Fame career. Uncle Eli captured two Super Bowl titles with the Giants. All three Manning relatives earned Pro Bowl selections as NFL quarterbacks.
Manning has shown flashes of excellence in limited action for Texas. He’s completed passes with accuracy and poise when called upon as a backup.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs ranks No. 2 on the list.
Downs transferred from Alabama after coach Nick Saban’s retirement. He became the first freshman in Alabama history to lead the team in tackles during his debut season.
The Downs family also carries NFL connections. Brother Josh Downs was selected by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2023 draft. Father Gary Downs played seven NFL seasons. Uncle Dre Bly earned two Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl ring.
Texas opens the 2025 season at Ohio Stadium against the defending national champion Buckeyes. The matchup features Manning and Downs as two of the draft’s top prospects going head-to-head.
This game serves as a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal. Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl in that meeting.
Texas now gets its revenge opportunity on Ohio State’s home field. Both teams enter with significant roster changes from their playoff encounter.
Manning takes over as Texas’s full-time starter for the first time. Downs anchors the Buckeyes’ defense as a key transfer addition.
The season opener is expected to draw one of the largest television audiences for a college football game. Manning’s debut as a starter adds another storyline to an already compelling matchup between title contenders.
