Adam Schefter explains why Arch Manning might not declare for 2026 NFL Draft
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has suggested that Texas Longhorn QB Arch Manning could forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and stay in Austin for his senior season, citing his family history.
“First of all, there’s no guarantees that Arch Manning’s coming out after next year,” Schefter said. “It sounds like he certainly could be staying beyond next year. I’m not a college football insider, but none of the Mannings ever went out early, and I don’t know with NIL money being what it is why Arch would do that. So, all of this conversation about ‘tanking for Arch next year,’ he could be in the draft in 2027, not even next year.”
Schefter also pointed to Manning’s NIL value, estimated at $6.5 million by on3.com, as another reason the quarterback might be reticent to leave college.
Despite not starting for a full season, Manning is projected as the top quarterback and pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. So far in his career, Manning has played in 12 games for the Longhorns, throwing for 969 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 115 yards with four touchdowns on the ground.
Manning has big expectations heading into the college football season, with him being a favorite to win this year’s Heisman and Texas picked as one of the top contenders to win a national title.
