Arch Manning Predicted to Skip 2026 NFL Draft, Stay at Texas by Granddad Archie

It sounds like it will take at least two years before the next generation of the famed Manning Family makes it to the NFL.

Archie Manning, the patriarch of the family, declared that his grandson, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, won't be entering the 2026 NFL draft after his junior season.

"Arch isn’t going to do that," Manning told S. C. Gwynne of Texas Monthly when asked whether Arch would declare for the draft after this season (h/t Nick Schultz of On3.com). "He’ll be at Texas."

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Manning has the fifth-highest odds (+950) to be selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 draft. Penn State's Drew Allar is the favorite (+250), with LSU's Garrett Nussmeier (+350), South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers (+600) and Clemson's Cade Klubnik (+600) trailing him.

Arch Manning is entering his first year as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns after sitting behind Quinn Ewers during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2024, he made 10 appearances with two starts while Ewers was injured, and he showed signs of immense potential with 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while also adding 108 rushing yards and four more scores.

The youngster was coy when asked about his future plans at SEC Media Days last month, creating more uncertainty about whether he wants to jump to the professional level after the 2025 season.

"I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow," he said at the time. "I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day."

NFL teams are undoubtedly hoping to add the famous Manning lineage to their rosters, and a big year for the 21-year-old will only increase his draft stock. Still, it appears they will have to be patient and wait until 2027 for the chance to select him.