Arch Manning has major incentive to skip 2027 NFL Draft and stay at Texas an additional year
While NFL teams waited until the 2026 NFL Draft for Manning, it turns out he could be at Texas for much longer than anticipated.
Once again, expectations are extremely high for the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning . Before the 2025 season, many penciled them in as a National Championship lock and Manning as the overwhelming Heisman Trophy favorite.
None of that played out as expected, but Manning and the Longhorns' strong finish to last season, plus a re-tooling in the offseason, has fans back on board the bandwagon. Many are yet again hoping for big things, particularly from Manning . A big season would reinforce his status as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft . That is, if he even declares.
There's still a lot that has to happen for that to come to fruition. Manning will have to play much better, much more consistently, than he did in 2025 . There also has to be a commitment from Manning to make the jump to the NFL , something that not everyone is certain of.
Todd McShay believes Arch Manning will stay two more years at Texas
Famous draft expert Todd McShay has sown doubt in regards to Manning not only being the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, but even entering it. McShay believes Manning could use up all of his college eligibility .
Let's back off this expectation that he's the number one overall pick and he's the guy and this is Texas' year. Because I got more news for you: I don't even know that the Mannings at this as like the swan song at Texas. There's a long history of Mannings sticking around that extra year, that people didn't think they were going to stick around, until they're right and they feel like they're ready. And I won't be surprised at all if he's in the 2028 Draft.
While many have pointed to Manning staying at Texas in order to avoid potentially joining the much-maligned Cleveland Browns franchise in the 2027 NFL Draft , Manning has a bigger incentive to stay in college.
On3 reports that Manning is making $2.5 million for the 2026 season through his NIL contract . That's in addition to his external endorsement deals. Sure, Manning would make more money in the NFL, but continuing to develop at Texas while still making a strong income could persuade him into staying longer than expected .
