NFL teams eyeing Arch Manning for the 2026 NFL Draft may have to wait a little longer.
During a Thursday appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, NFL insider Adam Schefter said there’s a real possibility the Texas quarterback remains in college through his senior season and instead enters the 2027 draft.
“First of all, there’s no guarantees that Arch Manning’s coming out after next year,” Schefter said. “It sounds like he certainly could be staying beyond next year. I’m not a college football insider, but none of the Mannings ever went out early, and I don’t know with NIL money being what it is why Arch would do that. So, all of this conversation about ‘tanking for Arch next year,’ he could be in the draft in 2027, not even next year.”
Schefter’s comments come amid speculation that some NFL teams may look to position themselves for Manning down the road. One executive even questioned whether the Cleveland Browns might pass on taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall this year, instead waiting for the Texas star.
“It’s such a weak quarterback draft and free-agency class at the position. Is there a temptation to suck for Arch Manning?” the executive told The Athletic’s Mike Sando.
With name, image and likeness earnings now reshaping college football’s landscape, players like Manning have more incentive than ever to stay in school. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, Manning already commands massive attention and brand appeal. Manning most likely isn't in the college scene for NIL though, as a Manning, there's no doubt he's in it for leadership and growth rather than money.
He is set to become the face of Texas football in 2025, when he assumes the starting quarterback role. Manning will make his highly anticipated debut as QB1 on Aug. 30, when the Longhorns travel to Columbus to face defending national champion Ohio State.
Whether NFL teams will get a shot at drafting Manning in 2026—or have to wait until 2027—remains to be seen. For now, the college football world is preparing to finally see him lead the Longhorns.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: NFL insider reveals no guarantees on Arch Manning in 2026 draft
