Arch Manning Faces High Expectations, NFL Draft Speculation as Texas Longhorns Eye National Title

Even if you were to disregard the fact that Arch Manning comes from a lineage that is steeped in NFL glory, the pressure would be immense on his 21-year-old shoulders, but the young quarterback appears ready to stand tall as he looks to push his Texas Longhorns towards a college football title. 

There is growing speculation that the sophomore may well look to be drafted in 2026, despite comments from his grandfather that stated he would not be doing so, and now Arch Manning will have to make up his own mind, albeit not until he’s proven his worth in Steve Sarkisian’s line-up.

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Last season, Manning started just two games for the Longhorns, though he did see action in a total of ten, and now the pressure will be on him to prove the hype. As for clearing up any speculation as to what his future holds, well, let’s just say his latest comments don’t exactly put out the flame in terms of putting the story to bed. 

On comments from his grandfather saying he’ll be a Longhorn for the 2026 season, Manning distanced himself entirely from that story, stating.

“I don’t know where he got that from,” 

“He texted me to apologize about that. I’m really just taking it day by day right now.”

For his part, Archie also looked to clarify his comments.

“I thought that the thing that I said was that to name Arch to postseason awards and start placing him in the NFL draft was ridiculous when he hadn’t played,” 

“But then, of course, then the fact I said that he might be at Texas, that’s just an assumption on my part.”

“Arch and I have a really good grandson-grandfather relationship, but I haven’t been part of this football journey.”

To be fair, such speculation and rumor-mongering is part and parcel of top-level sports, albeit you don’t tend to have to watch out for what relatives may impart on the subject.

As for what Texas and Manning can achieve in 2025, former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has sung his praises for the quarterback, albeit he wishes him to have a woeful return when he takes on the Aggies.

“Whenever [Texas] plays Texas A&M, I hope he throws five picks and no touchdowns and gives us an opportunity to win that ballgame we need to win,” Manziel stated, before adding, in a more conciliatory tone.

“Texas is starting out very highly ranked,” 

“A lot of hype around them, and there’s a lot of pressure in that situation. But, from what he’s shown so far, you’d think he’d be able to handle it, and he’s going to play well. The SEC, week in and week out, we’ll find out exactly what he’s made of. “

“For me, from my perspective, I’m wishing him nothing but the best. Seems like an amazing kid, has an amazing family. I want him to do amazing things outside of that one day.” Manziel concluded.

Texas starts the season against Ohio State and they face A&M in late November.