“I want to be the quarterback at the University of Texas. Sometimes it’s worth the wait,” Arch Manning mused last spring, his words dripping with the calm of a kid who’s grown up rewriting football lore. Fast-forward to 2025, and the college football universe is spinning faster than a ‘Stranger Things’ upside-down portal. While mock drafts anointed Manning as the 2026 crown jewel, the Longhorns’ prodigy pulled a ‘Succession’-worthy power move—staying put, betting on burnt orange glory over NFL glitz.

Meanwhile, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (3,639 yards, 36 TDs in 2024) is skyrocketing up boards, with ESPN’s early mock slotting him as Cleveland’s potential savior. But this story isn’t just about two QBs—it’s a galaxy of 32 stars, each flickering with promise. Let’s map the cosmos.

Arch Manning isn’t just a name—he is a vibe. The 19-year-old maestro, with his 67.8% completion rate and a Red Bull NIL deal worth $6.6M, could’ve ridden draft hype to the bank. Instead, he’s marinating in Austin, chasing a title thicker than a Texas thunderstorm.

When Quinn Ewers went down last fall, Manning dropped four TDs on UTSA like he was playing ‘NCAA Football’ on easy mode. But here’s the twist: he’s not here for a one-act play. ‘Believe,’ he’d say, channeling ‘Ted Lasso’ optimism.

Meanwhile, the 2026 mock draft spins like a vinyl record, with 32 tracks of destiny:

The full first-round list post Arch Manning

(In projected draft order, per ESPN’s way-too-early mock)

1. Cleveland Browns (via TEN): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
   The Plot: Klubnik’s 2024 stat line (3,639 yards, 36 TDs) reads like a ‘Ted Lasso’ pep talk. The Browns trade up, betting he’s the antidote to their QB curse.

2. New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
   The Vibe: A 6’7”, 360-lb “mauler” who blocks like Thanos snaps. Perfect for protecting Daniel Jones (or his eventual replacement).

3. Tennessee Titans (via CLE/JAX): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
   The Scoop: A 315-pound wrecking ball with a motor louder than a Nashville honky-tonk.

4. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
   The Comp: “McNabb 2.0” with 2,534 pass yards + 674 rush yards in 2024. Jets fans pray he’s not another Zach Wilson sequel.

5. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
   The Fit: A ball-hawking safety who’ll turn the Dawg Pound into a no-fly zone.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
   The Hook: 6’8”, 312 lbs of “agile pass protector” here to shield Geno Smith (or whoever’s next).

7. Los Angeles Rams (via CAR): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
   The Heir: Stafford’s eventual successor with a “flexible arm” and a knack for ‘Succession’-level drama.

8. New Orleans Saints: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
   The Arm: 6’5”, 238 lbs of raw tools. Saints fans hope he’s more Brees, less Bridgewater.

9. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
   The Stats: 11 sacks, 16.5 TFLs in 2024. Pair him with Laiatu Latu? AFC South QBs start sweating.

10. New England Patriots: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
    The Build: 6’6” with a “stout base.” Bill Belichick’s ghost nods approvingly.

11. Carolina Panthers (via LAR/ATL): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
    The Range: A sideline-to-sideline LB who tackles like he’s in a ‘John Wick’ scene.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
    The Flex: Played LT, RT, and guard. Seattle’s O-line needs all the help it can get.

13. Dallas Cowboys: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
    The Upside: 6’4” with 12 TDs on 43 catches. Jerry Jones’ next “star” obsession.

14. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
    The Swag: 4 INTs, 8 PBUs in 2024. Miami’s secondary just got ‘Scarface’-level heat.

15. Arizona Cardinals: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
    The Moment: His pick-six vs. Notre Dame? Chef’s kiss.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: LT Overton, DT, Alabama
    The Legacy: Cam Heyward’s eventual heir. “The Standard is the Standard.”

17. Chicago Bears: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
    The Spark: 6.9 yards per carry. Bears’ run game hasn’t been this hyped since Walter Payton.

18. Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
    The Transfer: From Georgia to Happy Valley, now to Minnesota. Justin Jefferson approves.

19. Denver Broncos: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
    The Pedigree: Next in OSU’s WR factory. Bo Nix needs all the help he can get.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
    The Replacement: Lavonte David’s throne awaits.

21. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
    The Protector: 0 sacks allowed in 2024. C.J. Stroud sends a thank-you note.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Nic Anderson, WR, LSU
    The Wildcard: A 6’4” deep threat. Justin Herbert’s new toy.

23. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
    The Project: “Power profile” tackle ready to block for Nussmeier’s Hollywood story.

24. Green Bay Packers: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
    The Length: 6’2”, 190 lbs. Jaire Alexander’s future running mate?

25. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
    The Need: Cincy’s D-line gets a 325-pound anchor. Joe Burrow nods stoically.

26. Washington Commanders: Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
    The Name: Yes, that Uiagalelei. Brother of DJ. Pass-rush genes run deep.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
    The Bloodline: Little bro of Falcons’ A.J. Terrell. Kyle Shanahan loves family ties.

28. Buffalo Bills: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
    The Sleeper: 7 sacks, 3 FFs in 2024. Josh Allen needs a defensive sidekick.

29. Detroit Lions: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
    The Edge: Aidan Hutchinson’s new partner-in-crime. Motor City’s D-line just got scarier.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
    The Zone: 11 PBUs, 0 TDs allowed. Lamar’s offense + this defense? AFC North nightmare fuel.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
    The Move: A TE who runs like a WR. Philly’s next “Philly Special” weapon.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
    The Closer: 6 INTs in 2023. Because even dynasties need new guardians.

From Texas-sized patience of Arch Manning to Cade Klubnik’s Clemson-to-Cleveland rocket ride, this draft class isn’t just names on a board. Indeed, it’s tomorrow’s legends, today’s hope, and a poetic reminder that football’s future is always written by the bold.