"Best QB in the Nation": Former NFL passer drops eye-popping Arch Manning prediction
Manning’s late-season surge has convinced Chase Daniel that something much bigger could be coming
The expectations around Arch Manning are already enormous, but one former NFL quarterback believes the Texas star is about to justify all of them.
Chase Daniel has made one of the boldest predictions yet about Manning ’s 2026 season, declaring that the Longhorns quarterback “will be the best QB in college football by the end of the year.”
That forecast comes as Manning begins his second full season as Texas’ starter after a 2025 campaign that was defined as much by his improvement as by his final numbers.
Manning threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season while also rushing for 399 yards and 10 scores. Texas finished 10-3, and Daniel believes the way Manning closed the year is more important than the way he started it.
“The key for Arch Manning this year is to continue trending up,” Daniel said. “Like you saw the last 10 games, it was awesome.”
Daniel pointed to Texas’ dominant 55-0 victory over Sam Houston as the moment Manning ’s season began to change. The quarterback threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns that day and became much more efficient over the second half of the year.
Chase Daniel sees different Arch Manning
The early portion of Manning ’s first season as the full-time starter wasn't always smooth. Texas opened 3-2, including a 14-7 loss at Ohio State in Manning ’s first road start, before the Longhorns recovered to finish 7-1 over their final eight games.
Manning threw 15 touchdown passes with just two interceptions over that closing stretch, eventually helping Texas beat Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Daniel believes a change in mindset helped unlock that progress.
“The expectations that he had on him last year,” Daniel said. “Hey, he told me in the meeting. He said, ‘You know what? I’m just going to be myself. I’m just going to play,’ and he has continued to play.”
The former NFL quarterback also believes Manning is now surrounded by enough talent that the developmental excuses have disappeared.
“There’s no more excuses this year,” Daniel said. “Cam Coleman… all those guys. He has all the weapons. Texas has surrounded him, so I think he’s going to continue his upward growth.”
Manning trying to ignore NFL noise
The attention surrounding Manning is unlikely to quiet down if Texas starts quickly.
The 22-year-old hasn't said whether he plans to enter the 2027 NFL Draft, but he is already appearing prominently in early projections, including a recent mock draft that placed him near the very top of the first round.
Manning said his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning , have advised him not to allow that conversation to take over his final college years.
“A lot of advice,” Manning said. “They ultimately just told me to enjoy college right now, worry about that when the time comes, just take it day by day and try to be a good guy.”
Manning described last season in similarly straightforward terms.
“Got an in-game experience, there were ups and downs, but ultimately learned from it and excited for this year,” he said.
Texas enters 2026 with another roster capable of competing nationally. If Daniel ’s prediction proves accurate, the Longhorns may also have the best quarterback in the sport leading it.
