Sometimes, even a legendary last name can’t fast-track a draft dream. Just ask Shedeur Sanders. Despite being the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur waited through two long days of the 2025 NFL Draft. All 32 teams passed—until the Cleveland Browns finally called his name in Round 5, pick No. 144. Although his slide was a shock, but Colorado’s lack of championship shine didn’t help. Now, all eyes turn to Texas and Arch Manning—another quarterback with a golden bloodline. But as Shedeur’s story proves, family ties don’t guarantee NFL glory.

So, what really guarantees draft glory? A national title run. That’s the difference-maker. Just ask USA TODAY’s Matt Hayes, who called benching Arch Manning ‘a potentially monumental mistake’ by one of CFB’s top coaches. Even Steve Sarkisian knows the stakes. Speaking at the Touchdown Club in Houston, he admitted that if Texas has a big year, Arch might bolt for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his words? “I hope it’s not a no-brainer for him to come back.” So, Arch’s NFL leap hinges on how far Texas climbs this season.

A Georgia insider broke down the national title race on the May 3 episode of UGA Football on Dawg Post, and gave Texas a serious nod. When talking contenders, he didn’t hesitate to call out the Longhorns. However, the reason? Despite Ohio State winning it all last year, he’s not sold on their 2025 squad. In his words: “I know Ohio State won the national championship last year. They’re bringing on a new quarterback. They may have the two best players in the country—Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. They’re replacing a lot of guys on both sides of the ball.”

“I’m not sure they’re going to be the best team in the country. I would have had Texas—would have been my guess—on the team with the best odds. Ohio State has +600 odds to win the national title; that’s best in college football. Texas is number two at +650.” So, the message is clear—Texas isn’t just chasing hype; they’re chasing hardware.

And why not? Texas is built to win now. They’re strong in the trenches, loaded with playmakers, and have a quarterback many believe could be an NFL starter someday. Some even call Arch Manning elite. Sure, he hasn’t proved it yet—but the talent is there. But, there’s a twist…

If Texas fails to make a title run, Arch could face a Shedeur Sanders-like draft slide. And the Georgia reporter put it best, saying, “If you’re Texas, this needs to be the year. I’m going to talk about, in just a second, Arch Manning—who has incredible Heisman odds. But if you let a guy like Arch Manning—who, if he is as good as people think, and if he is as good as, you know, where he was ranked and the potential everyone sees in him—if that guy leaves Austin, Texas and goes off to the NFL without winning a national title there, I think that is a massive missed opportunity.”

Simply put, if you’re ever going to chase a national title with a quarterback like Arch Manning—this is the year. Texas has all the ingredients. Now they just have to cook. Sure, some worry that Manning is “a first-year starter,” but the Georgia reporter wasn’t buying the doubt.

He pointed to the talent around Arch and added confidently: “But I think Texas did a great job in the transfer portal. They’ve added pieces all over the place. I know they’re replacing starters on both sides of the ball. Doesn’t matter. They’re going to be really good.”

Remember, Arch Manning lit up the 2024 spring game, tossing for 355 yards and three scores. The former No. 1 recruit looked every bit the part—confident, composed, and cannon-armed. Now, with Manning leading the charge in Austin, the buzz around Texas is real. And as one Georgia reporter put it best, stating, “I mean, Georgia wanted it for a reason. I think Texas—this needs to be their year. So, they’re number two,” referring to their national title chances.

While Manning’s draft fate is tied to Texas’ title run, his dream of joining the Giants isn’t dead, despite their selection of Jaxson Dart.

Arch Manning’s NFL dream

For most Giants fans, this summer is all about Jaxson Dart—breaking down every highlight, stressing over every interception, and debating if he’s the future. But for a hopeful few, Dart is just a detour. However, the real dream? Arch Manning. The Texas QB and Manning royalty still sit atop their wish list. And even with Dart in the building, that dream is very much alive.

Let’s be clear—this dream comes with disclaimers. Giants fans shouldn’t lose sleep over CFB’s top quarterbacks right now. Like it or not, Jaxson Dart is the guy for the future. How long will that future last? That’s the real question. With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston ahead of him, Dart may ride the bench in Year 1. That likely knocks New York out of the early QB race in the 2026 Draft—unless things go completely off the rails. Still, the Manning faithful? They’re not flinching.

Arch Manning may be the name, but 2027 looks like the game. With only two starts and loads of NIL cash, there’s no rush to leave Texas. He’s got time, talent, and a title to chase. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart gets a redshirt year—and one shot in 2026 to prove he’s New York’s future before the Giants hit the reset button.

However, the Manning-to-New-York dream? Still flickering, but fading fast. Look, Arch has plenty to prove before becoming a legit Round 1 lock, and Dart hasn’t even taken a snap. But first-round QBs usually get more than one shot—Dart included. Giants fans might want to back the guy they’ve got, not cling to a long shot who may never wear blue. Now, let’s see where Manning’s destiny leads next season.