The Arizona Cardinals will have the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the quarterback class being weak this year, Arizona is most likely going to focus on drafting defense. The Cardinals will most likely ride with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback in 2026.
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Arizona Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch (4) runs in for a touchdown after a catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025.
Arizona released Kyler Murray earlier this offseason. The Cardinals have a chance to build its defense instead in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, what would have happened if Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns decided not to return to college in 2026 instead of going back? Would he have been a top five selection?
Joel Klatt Believes That the Arizona Cardinals Would Have Selected Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning in 2026 NFL Draft
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Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes with the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Joel Klatt of FOX Sports did a 2026 NFL Mock Draft based upon all college football players. Manning was eligible to come out, but he decided not to. Klatt thinks that Arizona would have selected the Texas quarterback had he decided to come out of school. He said, “The Cardinals also need a quarterback, and luckily for them, this exercise provides themwith plenty of talented quarterback options. It would be hard to pass up on Manning with the third pick here, even with the struggles he had early last season. His traits are just too tantalizing at this point, and he’s a Manning. If you’re the owner of the Cardinals, aren’t you sitting there and thinking, “He adds value to our organization immediately.” I also think that as Manning gains experience, he’ll become an even better player. Arch didn’t have the best season in 2025, but he improved as the year went along and the upside is still high.”
Manning is 6’4″ and weighs 219 lbs. During the 2025 college football season with Texas, he completed 61.4% of his passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Manning also rushed for 399 yards on 92 carries and 10 touchdowns, along with averaging 4.3 yards per carry. It was smart for him to return to school.
He struggled out of the gates in 2025. He didn’t play better until later in the season. Manning will have a better chance to improve his stock in 2026 and didn’t look like much of a first-round selection this college football season. There is no doubt that there will be conversations about him going number one overall in 2027. Manning and the Cardinals would have been an interesting match now. There is a chance that Manning could wind up with Arizona in the 2027 NFL Draft anyways.
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