
Texas Longhorns Quarterback Arch Manning comes from a family with a strong football tradition. Arch, 21, is the son of entrepreneur and television personality Cooper Manning and attorney Ellen Heidingsfelder. He is the grandson of former NFL Quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of former NFL Quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning.
He committed to the University of Texas at Austin in 2023 and became a redshirt freshman in 2024. Fast forward to 2025, when he entered the national spotlight as a sophomore starting quarterback. The Manning family has a huge impact on his college football career, but what’s next for him? Read on to find out.
Arch isn’t expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but there’s significant speculation from the public. He reportedly has no current plans to declare but is assessing his options. When he declares for the NFL Draft, his name will be one to watch. Some sources believe he will become the No. 1 pick. But, in my opinion, he will become a top 10 pick.
The Tennessee Titans currently have the No. 1 pick in 2026 and might stay put. Since the Titans have Cam Ward at the quarterback position, the team has an opportunity to sell off the No. 1 selection to the highest bidder.
This could be a game-changing deal for GM Mike Borgonzi and the Titans that could provide an NFL team with the chance to draft Arch, the potential fourth member of the Manning family, with the No. 1 pick.
If so, the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Jets can trade up for Arch. The Saints drafted Archie with the first overall pick. The Rams don’t necessarily need a quarterback, but Arch can replace Matthew Stafford. “Father Time” is undefeated. As for the Jets, GM Darren Mougey has a long history with Peyton, who can craft Arch’s next steps.
The New Orleans native’s stats can make or break his professional football career. In 2025, he finished the regular season with 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, with a total quarterback rating of 70.5.
In 2024, he served as a backup behind Quinn Ewers. Arch finished the season with 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
In 2023, he served as a third-string quarterback behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy. He finished his NCAA debut with 2-of-5 passing attempts for 30 yards.
It’s too early to tell, but he has been showing improvement as a starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. He appears to be developing confidence in his abilities. He can redeem himself with more wins against solid programs such as Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame.
Texas may not qualify for the College Football Playoff, but the team ended the season strong with a 27-17 win over rival Texas A&M. The Isidore Newman School alum’s potential appears to be a work in progress. It is possible that his combination of athleticism, high-level accuracy, and game IQ can help him succeed in leading a high-profile team in the NFL.
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