Arch Manning isn’t just a name; he’s the bloodline and the spotlight—but is he ready to own the moment? Manning isn’t just another quarterback; he’s football royalty, with the nation carefully analyzing his every move. From national headlines to Texas turf, his journey is anything but ordinary. But with so much noise around him and his future, what’s really next for him? Buckle up; you wouldn’t want to miss his full story.

Manning, the heir to football royalty and a highly touted quarterback of the Texas Longhorns, will be officially eligible for the 2026 NFL draft. With the NFL Combine underway, significant attention is on the quarterbacks available in the 2025 NFL draft class. With Miami’s Cam Ward being drafted first overall by the Tennessee Titans and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders being the 144th overall pick, the focus can now shift to the candidates eager to step up for the 2026 draft.

When will Arch Manning be eligible for the NFL draft?

Arch Manning, having played only in nine games, backing up Quinn Ewers, with two starts for the Longhorns, will enter the 2025 season of college football. This will deliver not only the hype surrounding him as the former No. 1 overall recruit of the 2023 class but also his claim as the top quarterback in the draft among the available ones.

However, as per the NFL’s rule on player eligibility, players need to be three years removed from high school to request entry into the NFL Draft. Considering this criterion, he’s ineligible for the 2025 NFL Draft as he has only completed two years of college football. Nevertheless, the chappie has shown flashes during extended action against Mississippi State and UTSA in 2024 and thus can declare after next season for the NFL if he desires. Still, the moment for the 2026 draft is ticking. His name is certainly looming large. Scouts and fans alike are watching with bated breath, and his saga continues as the 2026 chapter nears.

Arch Manning’s prediction in the 2026 mock draft

Manning has certainly got a buzz around him. He’s already shoring up for the 2026 mock drafts, and it’s certainly heating up. As per NBC Sports, Manning is projected as a top pick and potentially the first overall. The hype train is seen to be leaving the station, and sportsbooks are on board, too. DraftKings, via Reuters, has listed him as the early betting favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick with +200 odds in 2026. Yet, it is worth noting that his limited game-time experience brings uncertainty to the table. He may not have the numbers, but scouts are looking toward the upside. If he declares, that stage becomes Manning’s. Now the question arises: will he take it? Or will he fulfill his remaining years of eligibility and then enter the draft in 2027 or 2028? Even Matt Miller, the NFL draft analyst for ESPN, has tweeted his thoughts on Manning’s remaining eligibility.

But hold the draft card; Manning might not be entering the NFL draft just yet.

Arch Manning Might Skip 2026 Draft, Claim Insiders

While he will meet the minimum eligibility criteria, multiple NFL insiders reportedly believe that he will stay with Texas. This will help in both gaining more college reps and assisting in further development of his on-field experience. As per Jeff Howe of The Athletic, five insiders are “leaning in the direction of predicting” that Manning will return to school in 2026. With Ewers entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 draft as the 231st pick, the Texas offense will entirely belong to Manning next season. And it’s widely expected that he will dominate under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

There’s also logic to this prediction. He has had limited playing time so far and might want to sharpen his skills before stepping into the spotlight of the NFL. While it can be a tough decision to turn down the opportunity, On3.com has listed Manning as having the highest NIL valuation at $6.6 million. Translation? He has the opportunity to make a lot of money if he stays in Texas for another year, giving him more control over where he ends up. Thus, for now, the message is clear: The 2026 draft might miss its biggest headline, Manning. He could be playing the long game, and Texas fans definitely wouldn’t mind a bit.