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No Guarantee Arch Manning Enters 2026 NFL Draft, Adam Schefter Warns

AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Arch Manning is widely considered to be one of the best quarterback prospects the NFL draft has seen in quite some time. There is a very good chance that he will be the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

However, recent news from NFL insider Adam Schefter is telling NFL teams who might be interested to pump the brakes.

“There’s no guarantee Arch Manning comes out after next year,” Schefter said during an appearance on Get Up on ESPN. “It sounds like he certainly could be staying. He could be in the draft in 2027.”

While this news comes as somewhat of a surprise, with Manning’s NIL valuation at $6.5M according to on3.com, it’s not unimaginable he would return to Texas for another season.

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This could potentially change the strategy of NFL teams waiting for Manning, especially considering the 2025 quarterback draft class, which is largely considered weak.

In 2024, Manning appeared in ten games and started in two games following an injury from the time Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Manning finished the season with 939 yards on 67.8 completion percentage with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

If Manning plays at a high level in 2025, it is still likely that he forgoes his college eligibility and enters the NFL Draft.

With the new NIL landscape, however, there is no rush for Manning to make a choice if he isn’t ready.

The Texas Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance and, led by Manning, hope to return to the CFP again.