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Arch Manning mock draft projection: Where would Texas QB get picked in 2026 NFL Draft?
TL;DR
Arch Manning's NFL Draft prospects have become uncertain as he considers returning to Texas for another season. Despite struggles early in the season, a late surge may have improved his standing as a top quarterback prospect.
Key points
- Arch Manning's NFL Draft decision is under speculation.
- His draft stock became uncertain due to early-season struggles.
- A late-season performance may have improved his prospect status.
- He is projected to be a top quarterback in a thin class.
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Arch Manning
Arch Manning mock draft projection: Where would Texas QB get picked in 2026 NFL Draft? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before Arch Manning even played a snap in 2025, his NFL Draft decision was the center of speculation. Would he really bypass the chance to be the No. 1 overall pick to return for another season at Texas?
As Manning struggled throughout the early portion of the season, that question answered itself. His draft stock became much more uncertain, making it obvious a return to school was the most likely scenario.
Even a late-season surge wasn't enough to convince Manning to start his professional career, but it may have been enough to put him back on the radar as a top prospect in a thin quarterback class.
Here's a look at where Manning might have landed if he entered the 2026 NFL Draft and where he is projected to be taken in 2027.
MORE:Ranking quarterbacks for the 2027 NFL Draft, from Arch Manning and Dante Moore
Arch Manning mock draft projection
Manning's stock is a bit of a mystery because, unlike Dante Moore, he spent most of the season outside of most mock drafts and projections due to the full expectation he would return to school. Still, it's fair to say such a thin quarterback class and a strong finish to his 2025 season might have been enough to make Manning a 2026 first-round pick.
That doesn't mean Manning would have been the No. 2 pick or anything particularly close. He has the physical traits, but any team that would have drafted him would have had to rely on such a small sample size of success.
Manning threw only four touchdowns to three interceptions in his first four games against Power Four opponents in 2025, throwing for less than 200 yards in three of those starts. At the time, he looked more like a project than anything.
Q&A
What is Arch Manning's current draft projection for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Arch Manning's draft projection for the 2026 NFL Draft is uncertain, with speculation suggesting he may return to Texas instead.
Why might Arch Manning choose to return to Texas instead of entering the NFL Draft?
Manning may choose to return to Texas due to a decline in his draft stock and the opportunity to improve his skills further.
How did Arch Manning's performance affect his NFL Draft stock?
Manning's early-season struggles negatively impacted his draft stock, but a late-season surge may have helped him regain some top prospect status.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to take place?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026, although specific dates may vary.
