NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay says Arch Manning should return to college in 2027

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay says Arch Manning should return to college in 2027

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 8:33 PM ET

It is no secret that the Texas Longhorns have struggled to live up to their lofty expectations that were set before the season.

A major reason for the preseason expectations was the hype and individual expectations surrounding quarterback Arch Manning. It has not been a stellar season, though, as Manning has struggled tremendously, leading some to question Manning's path to the NFL.

That includes NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, who took to social media Thursday to explain what he thinks Manning should do next season.

Todd McShay believes Arch Manning should return to college in 2027

McShay listed six quarterbacks that he believes should return to the collegiate level next season and Manning was at the top of that list. Not only does McShay believe Manning should return to college, but he also suggested that a potential transfer should possibly be explored.

"Return. Explore a transfer?" McShay wrote. "There’s still time to turn this season around. I’m more bullish on his NFL future than the social media doom suggests, but another college season currently looks like his best path."

WHO SHOULD RETURN FOR 2027?

1. Arch Manning — Return. Explore a transfer? — There’s still time to turn this season around. I’m more bullish on his NFL future than the social media doom suggests, but another college season currently looks like his best path.
2. Sam Leavitt —… https://t.co/I9py2HBAjo
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) October 15, 2026

Diving into Arch Manning's struggles this season

Through the first three weeks of the season, Manning had thrown seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and had a win over the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Since then, though, Manning's struggles have been alarming and have put into question his readiness for the next level.

In the previous two games, Manning has three touchdown passes and three interceptions. His QBR in those two games in an average of 62.4 and he's looked completely rattled by the big moments.

He threw two fourth-quarter interceptions in the Week 6 loss to Oklahoma, one of which was returned for a touchdown to give the Sooners the lead.

Arch Manning throws it deep to Cam Coleman that turns into a wild interception

(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/qnbUY014Cc
— On3 (@On3) September 13, 2026

"The scary part for Texas fans: [Arch Manning] is not young anymore. He's got a lot of starts under his belt... They were better on offense with Ewers."@colincowherd & @joelklatt on Arch & the Texas Longhorns pic.twitter.com/O68s8AxJ8N
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 14, 2026

Arch Manning will need a stellar final seven games this season

Manning's struggles have not only hurt Texas this season but also his draft stock. It was revealed earlier in the week that Manning, once the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, has fallen to No. 24 on Mel Kiper Jr's big board.

The downward slide on draft boards will only continue if Manning does not begin to perform better. Without a stellar finish to the season, it may end up being the correct decision for Manning to return for another college season and potentially even transfer.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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