Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with NFL Draft speculation already following him, but Peyton and Eli Manning want him focused on college. (Image via Getty Images)
His last name guarantees that much, and the 2027 NFL Draft conversation has already started before his second full season as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback. 5, though the conversation took place during the Miami Grand Prix in early May. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft and later entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 1 overall, in 2004, before spending his NFL career with the New York Giants. Arch has given no public commitment about entering the 2027 NFL Draft. When PEOPLE spoke with him shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft, he stayed noncommittal about whether he would declare next year.
Arch said both of his uncles have spoken to him about this stage of his career. “Yeah, a lot of advice,” Arch told PEOPLE. “They ultimately just told me to enjoy college right now, worry about that when the time comes, just take it day by day and try to be a good guy.
Arch Manning cannot really escape NFL questions. His uncles, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, have given him a much simpler assignment. Enjoy college. PEOPLE’s Skyler Caruso published an exclusive interview with Arch on Sept. Their message did not involve draft boards, NFL teams or where he could eventually be selected. That advice comes from two quarterbacks who know exactly what waits on the other side. Peyton became the No. Eli also went No. His focus remained on Texas.
That approach follows a 2025 season in which Manning became Texas’ full-time starter. The Longhorns finished 10-3. Texas opened the 2025 season with a 14-7 road loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Manning enters 2026 with two stories developing at the same time. PEOPLE described Manning as an expected top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, while other early projections have already begun connecting him with quarterback-needy teams. 5 report from Marca discussed the Arizona Cardinals as a possible destination while stressing that the draft remains far away. An entire college football season still sits between the current speculation and any 2027 NFL decision. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Texas opens its 2026 season against the Texas State Bobcats on Sept. 5. It will be Manning’s second year as the Longhorns’ full-time starter and another chance to build on what he learned in 2025.
“Trying to make the most out of it,” Manning said of the upcoming season. “Got an in-game experience, there were ups and downs, but ultimately learned from it and excited for this year,” Manning said. Eli later told PEOPLE he was proud of how his nephew handled the environment and stayed in the game. When he spoke with PEOPLE in May, Manning said he planned to use his time away from football to return to New Orleans, spend time with friends and decompress. “I love to play golf, hang out with my buddies and just be a regular dude,” Manning said. For now, Peyton and Eli have told their nephew exactly where to keep his attention: Texas, one day at a time.
“Do whatever I can to help the team win and have a good time. He also admitted that his first year in charge gave him plenty to process. One of those difficult moments came immediately. Texas needs him now. The NFL might want him next. One Sept. That distinction matters. Arizona’s eventual draft position is unknown. Manning has not declared. For Manning, the immediate calendar is much simpler. His offseason comments also suggest he understands how quickly the NFL discussion can swallow everything around a highly rated college quarterback. The NFL questions are not disappearing. Neither is the Manning name attached to them. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The attention around Arch has only increased since then.