Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning enters the 2025 college football season with significant expectations as he prepares for his first opportunity as a starter.
The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning is already generating buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While Manning maintains college eligibility beyond 2025, the allure of a top draft position could influence his decision timeline.
Manning saw limited action during the 2024 season with Texas, completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He added 108 rushing yards and four ground scores.
He showed flashes of potential in his appearances. Texas will need consistent high-level play from Manning to fulfill their national championship aspirations in 2025.
Nate Davis of USA Today recently named Manning among the “biggest winners” following New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement.
“Just sayin’. Speculation had already been running amok as it pertained to NFL teams potentially jockeying for draft position to enlist the presumed University of Texas star, who’s still only thrown 63 passes for the Longhorns. But this is what happens to football royalty when you’re the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, who combined to win four Super Bowls during their illustrious NFL careers. However there’s an added layer of intrigue if the Saints absolutely crater in 2025, which seemed entirely possible before Carr’s announcement given the aftermath of a 5-12 season in 2024 when he started 10 games. Now, just imagine if they secure the No. 1 pick in 2026, Arch Manning has the type of season in Austin everyone seems to expect and has the option to go home to his native New Orleans and revive the team his grandfather, Archie Manning, played so bravely but futilely for in the 1970s.”
The Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, if New Orleans finishes poorly enough to secure the top pick in 2026, Manning could potentially follow his grandfather Archie’s path to the franchise.
The connection between Carr’s retirement and Manning’s future appears tenuous at this stage.
While the narrative of Manning returning to his hometown team carries historical significance, such speculation remains premature with Manning yet to start a full season at Texas.
