Arch Manning’s NFL future suddenly looks a lot less settled than it did when the 2026 college football season began.
The Texas quarterback entered the year with massive expectations, and plenty of people had him pegged as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. But a rough stretch has changed the conversation, and now there are real questions about whether he should even jump to the league after this season.
Manning’s 2025 season gave Texas plenty to like, even if it came with some uneven moments. He finished that year with 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns.
This season, though, the production has cooled off. Through six games, he has thrown for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The numbers are only part of the problem. His mistakes have directly hurt Texas in recent weeks, including a costly pick-six in the upset loss to Oklahoma two weeks ago and a late fumble in a home loss the following week. As Texas gets ready to face Ole Miss on Saturday, the pressure is building for Manning to steady himself.
He acknowledged as much this week when speaking with reporters.
“I haven’t put good film on tape for the last five weeks, and I’m going to be better,” Manning said this week. “I’m going to be better for my teammates. I’m going to be better for myself and I’m going to be better for my coaches.”
While his last name keeps him in the spotlight, NFL teams will be looking at the tape, and the tape has raised some doubts. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that several NFL executives are skeptical that some of the top quarterback prospects will actually enter the 2027 draft. Pelissero added: “That includes Arch Manning, whom NFL scouts have seen less of since Texas closed practice.”
Manning still has the option to stay at Texas for another season, and that path has support from inside his own family. His uncle, former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, has already made the case for more time in college before going pro.
“Every year it’s an opportunity to play more games, get more prepared for the NFL, to win an SEC championship, to be a captain of the team,” Eli said.
Eli also pointed to the value of enjoying college life, building relationships with teammates and competing for a championship.
For Manning, another season in Austin could offer a chance to sharpen his game and improve his draft stock. But first, he has to show real progress on the field.
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Del Conte said the example was meant to show what Bevo Lab could suggest, not what it actually did in that situation. Even with the recent losses stirring unease, he said he is not panicking and made clear that the expectations in Austin remain high, which only adds more intrigue to how Texas will balance analytics, coaching judgment and the pressure that comes with every decision moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
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Pete Golding Sees A Different Problem In Texas' Offense
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Golding still acknowledged the real flaws in Texas attack, from an inconsistent running game to the pressure that has put Arch Manning in difficult spots. Even so, he framed the Longhorns as a talented, well-coached group whose numbers hint at more than one simple explanation, and his view adds another wrinkle to the conversation around an offense still searching for steadier rhythm. [Read more 🡒]