Arch Manning enters Friday night’s game carrying more pressure on his shoulders than any 20-year-old quarterback. The Texas Longhorns signal-caller is about to play his last regular-season game against No. 3 Texas A&M, with loud NFL draft noise on the line.
Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Beyond that, his family’s advice is ringing in his ears. However, the third-generation Manning isn’t listening to anyone, not even grandpa Archie. That is enough to raise tension in college football’s most famous quarterback bloodline.
Arch Manning’s Draft Stock Surging Despite Rocky Start and Family Pressure
Manning’s 2025 campaign started like a car crash. He completed just 55.3 percent of his passes through his first five starts, ranking 83rd nationally in passing efficiency. Numbers are suddenly starting to deploy an extremely shocking story in front of fans as he holds the highest NIL deal at the college level.
But the nephew of Peyton and Eli turned things around late in the season like a true Heisman contender. He led the Longhorns past Mississippi State with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns, then added 328 yards and three more scores against Vanderbilt. Aside from a Week 12 loss to Georgia, Manning has won four of his last five games.
The late-season boost revived his draft stock after he received zero votes in a recent NFL scouts poll for top quarterback. In the last ten games, Arch has a passer rating of 152.5 with 2,593 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. As the mechanics are clicking, the noise surrounding his draft stock is rising in a good way.
Aggies represent Manning’s final audition before decision time. Texas A&M arrives undefeated, looking to complete its perfect regular season. They are fairly confirmed to secure an SEC Championship Game berth.
Arch Manning is READY for Texas A&M👀 pic.twitter.com/mqFjB2HF8A
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) November 27, 2025
If Longhorns escape with a convincing win over that caliber of opponent and Arch puts on a show, then NFL teams will make a line to pick him at the top of the 2026 Draft.
However, his grandfather’s wish could jeopardize his path to the NFL draft. He reportedly does not want his grandson to enter the upcoming draft spectacle.
When Grandpa’s Advice Becomes Public Drama
Here’s where things get messy. Grandfather Archie Manning told Texas Monthly magazine that he doesn’t expect Arch to enter the 2026 draft.
He said, “Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas”. The former Ole Miss star believes his grandson needs two full seasons as a starter before jumping to the pros, following the path that Peyton and Eli took by playing out their college careers.
NFL scouts typically say 25 collegiate starts is the minimum any incoming quarterback should have before entering the draft. In that case, Arch is likely to play two seasons in college.
Quinn Ewers referenced that benchmark himself, noting “there’s kind of a line of demarcation for guys who really have success in the league” at 25 starts.
Arch’s grandfather also wants his grandson to go to the pro league, likely after two seasons. But Manning is having a hard time following the traditional blueprint. Since he sat on the bench for two full seasons backing up Ewers, he doesn’t hold that patience now.
Now, it all comes down to their regular-season finale. If the 20-year-old balls out, then he doesn’t need to turn back. He can hit the draft, and maybe Grandfather Archie will also allow it if his outing turns out convincing.