ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers isn’t ready to crown Arch Manning as college football’s top quarterback heading into the 2026 season, despite the hype surrounding the Texas signal-caller.
Rodgers ranked Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss as the nation’s best returning quarterback. The former Ferris State star led the Rebels to a deep playoff run last season while navigating coaching changes in Oxford.
“I was the one, maybe the only one last year preseason, saying, ‘let’s pump the brakes’ a little bit,” Rodgers said about Manning. “We haven’t seen this guy play yet.”
Manning carried enormous expectations entering the 2025 season. The Longhorns opened with a marquee matchup against Ohio State, and early Heisman buzz followed the quarterback throughout fall camp.
The season didn’t unfold as expected for Texas. Early losses kept the Longhorns out of the College Football Playoff despite Manning’s improvement as the year progressed.
“There are still some mechanical issues that I think he has to improve upon,” Rodgers added. “(Manning) got so much better at the end of the year. He was more consistent with his feet. But when his feet are elongated or not in the right place, velocity dips. The spiral is a little wobbly. He misses at times. I expect Arch to take another big step.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_KXyhVWUDI
Rodgers sees significant potential in Manning despite the technical concerns. The ESPN analyst expects the Texas quarterback to compete for major awards this season.
“I expect him to be in New York at the Heisman Trophy ceremony,” Rodgers said. “He’s going to be really good, but I still think some of those mechanical issues I want to see cleaned up to project him to be a top 10 or a first round draft pick next year.”
Manning’s footwork consistency improved dramatically over the course of last season. When his mechanics break down, his arm strength and accuracy suffer noticeably.
Texas opens the 2026 season against Texas State on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Longhorns face their biggest test the following week when Ohio State visits Austin for a primetime showdown.
That game will feature Manning against Julian Sayin in what promises to be one of the most-watched games early in the season.
The Longhorns need a strong start after missing the playoff last year. Manning’s development will be crucial to Texas’ championship hopes in what many expect to be a loaded Big 12 conference.
