Mel Kiper Jr. doesn’t believe Arch Manning will be top NFL Draft pick

Moore could’ve been a clear top 5 selection during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ducks signal caller was also considered a borderline first pick alongside Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza.

The Las Vegas Raiders opted to go with Mendoza though once Moore made his choice to return to school. That leaves Moore with a huge ceiling for the 2027 draft as he continues playing in the Big Ten.

“He [Moore] could be the guy that challenges,” Kiper said when discussing Manning’s competition. “If you go to the Penn State game and you just watch that game in its entirety, you’d be hard pressed on a quarterback you like better.”

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Next year’s draft class could be extremely deep at the quarterback position if players continue to showcase their talents. Manning, Moore, Julian Sayin, Sam Leavitt and LaNorris Sellers are all considered to be high draft picks.

Although, NFL fans are very familiar with college stars fizzling out when they make the jump to the next level. The 2026 NFL Draft only saw three quarterbacks selected in the opening three rounds and Mendoza was the lone first-round selection at his position.

It’s evident that Manning’s next college football season will be closely watched though. Kiper Jr. may have to eat his words if the Texas star balls out.