Texas Longhorns star quarterback Arch Manning is probably the most recognizable name in college football right now, but that doesn’t mean he’s earned the hype just yet.
Manning is the starting quarterback on the top-ranked team in the country, the consensus Heisman Trophy favorite, and has already been projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That doesn’t even consider his famous last name, which he shares with his NFL legend uncles, Peyton and Eli.
The expectations are nearly off the charts. But before the season opener, one legendary coach is pumping the brakes a little bit.
Arch Manning Hype
- Nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning
- Top-rated recruit in the 2023 high school recruiting class
- Completed 67.8% of his passes as a backup last season with 939 yards and 9 touchdowns
- Rushed for four touchdowns on 25 carries last season
- Preseason Heisman Trophy favorite
- Projected as No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
NFL Draft Expectations
While Manning hasn’t ever been a full-time starting quarterback at the college level, that hasn’t stopped NFL Draft experts from projecting him at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
In his most recent mock draft, NFL insider Field Yates of ESPN projected that the Cleveland Browns would select Manning at the top of the upcoming draft.
“Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling,” Yates wrote on ESPN.com. “I know the Browns just drafted two passers this year, but if they are picking first overall next year, then yes, they’ll be taking a quarterback.”
It’s worth noting that there’s no guarantee that Manning would even enter the NFL Draft even if he does have a strong season, but he’s clearly already got the attention of NFL Draft experts.
Urban Meyer Sends Message to Arch Manning
Needless to say, there is a lot of hype surrounding Manning before he heads into his first season as a full-time starter. However, three-time national champion head coach Urban Meyer isn’t necessarily ready to buy in just yet.
“Arch Manning hasn’t done a thing yet,” Meyer said during a recent appearance on “The Joel Klatt Show.”
Meyer explained that he thinks Manning is a “really good player,” but he wants to see him actually play some competitive football before having discussions about the Heisman Trophy or the NFL Draft.
“I’m hearing the word Heisman. I’m hearing the words national champion and first pick overall,” Meyer said. “I went back and watched [him] recently. He’s a good player. He’s a really good player. But get a couple of first downs.”
Manning Kicks off 2025 Season
Manning will face his first major test right out of the gate, as his first game as a full-time starter will come on the road against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Texas will take on the Buckeyes at noon on Saturday as Manning and the Longhorns look for revenge from their loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal last season.
