Texas quarterback Arch Manning has already built a case as one of the biggest names in college football, but Pro Football Focus just handed him a ranking that is sure to raise eyebrows.
PFF placed Manning at No. 9 on its list of the top 50 college players entering the new season, even though the Longhorns quarterback is coming off a season that included a Citrus Bowl win and a strong second half. The outlet also slotted him as the No. 3 quarterback in the ranking, behind Oregon’s Dante Moore at No. 7 and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin at No. 5.
PFF explained its thinking this way: "Because Manning entered his first season as a starter as the Heisman Trophy favorite, many were quick to write him off after a slow start to the 2025 season," PFF wrote. "However, he was terrific during the second half of the year, ranking sixth among FBS quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (89.5) since Week 9. Manning’s 87.3 PFF passing grade for the season also ranked among the top 15 in the nation.
"He was much more of a dual-threat quarterback than either of his uncles, tying for fifth among Power Four quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (10). Manning showed down the stretch that the immense hype surrounding him was based on more than just the name on the back of his jersey."
That resume makes the No. 9 spot feel like a tough sell, especially with Manning viewed by some draft experts as a possible No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Still, the ranking only adds another layer to a season that will carry plenty of attention.
With a full offseason behind him, Manning now has another chance to show he’s not just one of the most famous players in the sport, but one of its best.
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