Next year’s NFL draft could be all about Arch Manning

(Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images North America/TNS)

As soon as this year’s NFL draft ends, the attention shifts to Arch Manning.

Manning — Texas Longhorns quarterback and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning — appears poised to be the prize of 2027’s tantalizingly deep QB draft.

And his status as a blue-chip prospect is about much more than his royal (football) bloodlines.

“The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder has impressive physical tools and overcame some early-season processing bumps,” ESPN draft guru Matt Miller wrote of Manning in a recent 2027 lookahead.

“He can dial up velocity on his throws or layer the ball deep over the top, while also showing the strength and agility to be an effective runner. He’ll be regarded as the No. 1 quarterback prospect and perhaps the No. 1 overall player.”

Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, is set to be a redshirt junior. He is entering his second season as Texas’ full-time starter.

Going into last season, many pegged Manning as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 draft.

But amid that hype, Manning struggled early on in 2025, losing against loaded Ohio State and lowly Florida while throwing five interceptions in his first five games.

Manning’s play improved dramatically as the season went on, and he finished the year with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns against seven interceptions, 399 rushing yards and 10 more TDs on the ground.

He was at his best in the Longhorns’ Citrus Bowl win over Michigan, passing for 221 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 155 yards and two scores.

Manning then opted to return to Texas for 2026, even though some analysts believe he would have been the first QB taken in this year’s draft — even over Heisman-winning Fernando Mendoza, who just led Indiana to a national championship.

“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially toward the back half,” Manning said in December. “I want to keep it going. There’s no reason to leave. I think I’ve got a lot more football left to play, and I’m excited to still be a part of this team.”

Much can change in 12 months, and Manning does technically have another year of NCAA eligibility after his one. But should he go No. 1 overall, Manning would be the third member of his family to be the first pick in an NFL draft.