Texas' Arch Manning Reportedly Expected to Stay 2 More Years amid 2026 NFL Draft Buzz

With the 2025 NFL draft in the books, the focus now shifts to the 2026 draft, where Texas quarterback Arch Manning is expected to be one of the premier names.

But Manning may not be as set on the draft as many think. According to ESPN's Field Yates, he is expected to stay with the Longhorns for two more seasons.

"The word from people that have been down there visiting Texas for scouting visits has been that they expect Arch to be there for two more seasons," Yates said on The Adam Schefter Podcast (30:40 mark). "Will that prevail? We'll see, but that has been the sentiment that scouts have been gathering when they spend time around the Texas program this past season."

Manning, the top-rated recruit in the class of 2023 by 247Sports' composite, spent his first two seasons with Texas backing up Quinn Ewers, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round.

After barely seeing any action as a freshman, Manning got the ball a bit more in 2024.

He came in for Ewers in a matchup against UTSA in September and completed nine passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns, adding 53 yards and a score on the ground. He started for an injured Ewers the following week against ULM and had 258 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns. He was once again the starter against Mississippi State and completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and three total touchdowns.

So while Manning still has very little starting experience, he's shown in his few outings why scouts are already so high on him ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department's way-too-early predictions feature Manning getting drafted second overall to the Cleveland Browns.

As much as teams might be ready to draft Manning next spring, they might have to wait until 2027.

Staying in college as a projected top pick was unheard of years ago, but in the age of NIL, it can be more lucrative than taking a rookie deal. Especially for a player like Manning, who has a $6.6 NIL valuation by On3, an additional year of college could be the more lucrative route.

Ultimately, Manning will likely see how things shake out this year before he makes his decision for the 2026 season.