Schefter Says 'There's No Guarantees' Arch Manning is in 2026 NFL Draft amid NIL Money

NFL teams hoping to draft Texas quarterback Arch Manning in 2026 may have to adjust their plans.

During a Thursday appearance on Get Up, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested Manning could remain in school for what would be his senior season and then look to enter the 2027 NFL 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 after one NFL executive wondered whether the Cleveland Browns will pass on selecting a quarterback at No. 2 overall this year with an eye on taking Manning in the future.

"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 said while speaking to The Athletic's Mike Sando.

The ability for high-profile college athletes to make significant money through name, image and likeness opportunities adds another variable for prospects when they are deciding whether to turn to the professional ranks, and Manning clearly fits the bill as a high-profile player. 

The nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and will be the face of Texas' 2025 team as he assumes the role of starting quarterback.

Manning doesn't have much experience at this point since he backed up Quinn Ewers during his first two seasons. He appeared in 12 games and completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 969 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while showing off his athleticism with his legs at times.

But that lack of experience will change in 2025 when he starts for the Longhorns and is immediately put to the test with a season-opener on the road against the reigning national champions Ohio State. 

If he finds quick success, he will surely draw the eye of NFL talent evaluators who may expect him to be the next dominant quarterback in his famous family. Yet the league might have to wait if he decides to remain in school for an additional year.