For two seasons, Arch Manning patiently waited in the wings. Now in his third year, he has finally secured his place as the starting signal-caller for the Texas Longhorns. While the former five-star recruit hasn't immediately rewritten the record books, he has steered the No. 20 Longhorns to three straight wins, keeping their playoff aspirations very much alive.
Manning's breakthrough moment came last Saturday against Mississippi State. In a 17-point comeback victory, he delivered the best game of his career, torching the Bulldogs' defense for 346 yards and four total touchdowns. This performance offered a glimpse of the generational talent Texas fans have been waiting for.
That momentum is crucial for the Longhorns at home this week. After 42 days away, Texas returns to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to host the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores, who currently boast an impressive 7-1 record.
Vanderbilt is led by veteran quarterback Diego Pavia. The disparity in experience between the young Manning and the significantly older Pavia is vast -- and it sets the stage perfectly for questions about Manning's college eligibility status.
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What year is Arch Manning?
Manning is currently in his third year of college eligibility as a redshirt sophomore.
He was a true freshman in 2023 after committing to Texas in June 2022. Manning served as Texas' backup behind Quinn Ewers in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Manning was granted a redshirt for his first year at Texas, where he only appeared in one game.
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Arch Manning's major in college
Manning is a communication and leadership major, per the Texas athletics site.
In Spring 2023, Manning was a member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Arch Manning NFL Draft eligibility
Manning is eligible to go to the NFL as soon as the 2025 season concludes. Players must be three years removed from high school to enter the draft.
Since he is currently in his third year of college, he meets the minimum requirement to be eligible for the draft.
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Is Arch Manning entering the 2026 NFL Draft?
Multiple external reports indicate that Manning is not expected to declare in 2026.
His grandfather, Archie Manning, has publicly stated that Arch will be returning to Texas for the 2026 season. Many analysts now project him as a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, following the family precedent of his uncles, Peyton and Eli, who also played four years of college football.
Manning's inconsistent play this season has also seen him drop from the top of draft boards, once again favoring a return to Texas for his redshirt junior season.
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Arch Manning mock draft projections
Manning has not been listed in recent mock drafts, with the consensus being he will return to school if he does not elevate his play. Even if he does, Manning might take the route both Peyton and Eli did and remain in college for four seasons.
Per ESPN's Jordan Reid in October, "Though he hasn't come close to matching [the preseason No. 1] hype, there have been sprinkles of promise."
Reid went on to say "The 2027, or even 2028, draft is a more realistic NFL entry point for Manning, and the hardships he has faced thus far this season have reinforced that."
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