It sounds harsh, but Texas quarterback Arch Manning has gone from the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to a potential afterthought in just the span of a few months.
Even though Manning struggled at times in 2025, he still finished that season with 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns. If he wants to have similar success this fall, he needs to go on a heater over the next two months.
Manning enters this Saturday’s game against Ole Miss with 1,295 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in six games. Two weeks ago, he had a costly pick-six in an upset loss to Oklahoma. One week later, he had the game-losing fumble at home against Texas.
“I haven’t put good film on tape for the last five weeks, and I’m going to be better,” Manning told reporters 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.”
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Despite having the Manning pedigree, the talented quarterback for Texas hasn’t shown enough consistency to warrant being a top-10 pick.
In fact, Tom Pelissero said several NFL executives doubt Manning even goes pro after this season is over.
“Several NFL executives expressed skepticism this week that some, if not a majority, of the projected top QBs will even enter the 2027 NFL Draft,” said Pelissero. “That includes Arch Manning, whom NFL scouts have seen less of since Texas closed practice.”
Another year of college football could help Arch.
Well before Arch started struggling this season, his uncle talked about him potentially staying in school for another year.
“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 Manning said. “It’s not just about getting to the NFL and going the next step. It’s about enjoying your experience, enjoying your teammates and building something special with the guys that have been there together. I’m proud of Arch and how he’s handling this.”
Manning could benefit from staying in college for another season, but we can’t help but wonder if Steve Sarkisian is the right coach for him.
