As the Cleveland Browns gear up for Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, the organization finds itself at a critical crossroads-both on the field and in the front office. Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s future remains uncertain, as does that of general manager Andrew Berry. Meanwhile, Myles Garrett continues his relentless pursuit of the single-season sack record, a chase that’s become one of the league’s most compelling storylines.
But beyond the looming questions about leadership and record-chasing, there’s another pressing issue: the quarterback position. And with the Browns currently slotted to pick fourth in the 2026 NFL Draft, that conversation is only heating up.
In our latest look at Cleveland’s draft outlook, the team was projected to build around quarterback Fernando Mendoza. But as always, the draft board is fluid-and the pool of top-tier quarterback talent is already shifting before the offseason has even begun.
Last week, LaNorris Sellers reportedly opted to return to school, removing himself from the upcoming draft class. Now, as expected, Arch Manning has followed suit. Despite showing clear growth as the college season progressed, Manning is choosing to stay at Texas for another year of development rather than jump to the NFL as a redshirt sophomore.
His father, Cooper Manning, confirmed the decision in a text to ESPN’s Dave Wilson, saying simply: “Arch is playing football at Texas next year.” That sentiment was echoed by Texas officials, who had long anticipated his return.
Statistically, Manning’s first season as a starter was solid. He completed 61% of his passes for 2,942 yards, throwing 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He also added 244 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground-flashing the kind of dual-threat ability that makes him such an intriguing long-term prospect.
With both Manning and Sellers heading back to campus, the quarterback landscape for the 2026 draft has shifted significantly. For Cleveland, that likely means Mendoza remains the top option on the board-at least for now. If Dante Moore declares, he could also enter that conversation, but beyond those two, things get murkier.
It’s a situation not unlike last year, when quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough were viewed as fringe first-rounders who needed strong postseason showings and impressive pre-draft performances to climb up draft boards. The Browns may find themselves in a similar position this time around-waiting to see if another quarterback can emerge during bowl season or the combine circuit.
For a franchise still searching for long-term stability under center, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a top-five pick in hand and uncertainty swirling around their coaching staff and front office, the Browns are staring down another pivotal offseason. Whether it’s Mendoza, Moore, or a late riser yet to make their move, Cleveland needs to get the quarterback decision right-because everything else hinges on it.