Kiper Says Arch Manning Should Be Backup for 3 Years If QB Enters NFL Draft, Follow Packers Model

Arch Manning may be the biggest name in college football given his namesake and position as the starting quarterback for Texas, but his draft outlook could be slipping.

"All I'll say is right now, you gotta go back to college for another year," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said of Manning ahead of the 2027 NFL draft (36:15 mark). "And if you don't, it's got to be the Green Bay Packer model of Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers where you got your guy and you're picking late first round and you got your quarterback for another three years.

"I'm saying three years, I'm not saying one, not saying two. Patrick Mahomes sat for a year, okay, so let's forget the year. For Arch, I think it's three years. It's gotta be the Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers model if he comes out."

Manning, who is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has been up and down all season for the Longhorns.

While he directed a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback against Ohio State in the early going, he struggled for much of that game until the end. He then threw an interception without a single touchdown against Tennessee before throwing two costly picks in the rivalry loss to Oklahoma.

One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown, while the other set up the Sooners' game-winning field goal in the final minute.

Manning was under the microscope for Saturday's game against Florida after that performance and responded with a 27-24 loss that saw him account for just one touchdown.

Florida Gators - Texas Longhorns Highlights

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It's reached a point that head coach Steve Sarkisian had to tell reporters Monday that Manning will remain the team's starter after ESPN's Pete Thamel reported redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. was expected to see an "uptick in first-team quarterback reps" in practice in "a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle."

Had Manning had a dominant 2026 campaign, he could have played his way into discussions to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL draft. His namesake alone would have caught the attention of NFL teams, and thriving under the spotlight at Texas would have bolstered his standing.

However, now one of the most prominent draft experts believes it would be in his best interest to return to school.