Many analysts and fans projected that Arch Manning would be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft even before he played his first game in the 2025 college football season, which was his first year as the Texas starting quarterback.
Cleveland Browns Arch Manning
Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) shake hands after a game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The Manning hype was through the roof before the 2025 season even began; however, the Longhorns quarterback experienced some trouble before finding his rhythm in the second half of the season.
While Manning confused the fans by saying he wasn’t thinking about the Draft and would make the decision closer to the season ending, he ended up announcing his return for the 2026 season.
Joel Klatt recently shared his views on what would happen if Manning declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and predicted that he probably wouldn’t have beaten Fernando Mendoza for the No.1 overall spot and go to the Raiders, and also highlighted the Tom Brady-Manning rivalry as one of the potential reasons.
The analyst then shared that the No.2 overall pick would go to Dante Moore, if he was available, as he was the better player than Manning in the 2025 college football season.
“Cardinals are up at number three.They need a quarterback. You see howthis becomes a lot different because nowyou’ve got quarterbacks available,right? Arch is still sitting there.
Trinidad Chamblas is still sittingthere. Julian Sey is available. Allthese guys are available. Where wouldthe Cardinals go? I think if it wentlike this, even though he struggledearly last year, isn’t it going to behard to pass up Arch Manning in the allcollege football draft? I think it wouldbe. His traits are just too tantalizingat this point and he’s a Manning. So, ifyou’re the owner, aren’t you sittingthere like, “Okay, he adds value to ourorganization immediately.” I also dobelieve that as he gains experience andgets better, he’s going to be a reallygood player. I think he would be thenumber three pick in the all collegefootball mock draft.” Klatt shared his projection.
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Arch Manning Adds Lucrative NIL Deal to His Portfolio in the 2026 Offseason
NIL has changed college football forever, and many players have benefited from its extraordinary deals and opportunities that it offers to the young guys.
Arch Manning, who is one of the richest college football players currently, with an NIL valuation of $5.4 million (according to On3), has added another tech Giant to his portfolio with Google Gemini.
Manning was seen in the company’s latest advertisement, where he was showcasing how an individual can turn notes into podcasts through Gemini.
The Longhorns star has partnered with brands Redbull, Warby Parker, Vuoria, and Waymo.
Read more – “I Would Never Say Never”: Tom Brady Hints At Possible Role In USA’s Flag Football Team At 2028 LA Olympics
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!