The 2027 NFL Draft class could be one of the best in recent memory. As of now, there are at least ten quarterbacks projected first-round talents. There aren't 10 NFL teams with a pressing need under center, leaving some of them as either a stash for later or move to the second round and beyond.
With that being said, one NFL prospect locked in as a first-rounder on all boards is Texas' Arch Manning. So much so, [ESPN’s Jordan Reid](https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2027/story/_/id/49529902/2027-nfl-draft-top-pick-predictions-early-chances-dante-moore-arch-manning-dylan-stewart) identified 16 prospects who currently have a chance of being No. 1 overall next April, and Manning is a clear favorite.
The Longhorns passer came into last season as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. A few bad performances while playing through injuries knocked him out of contention. But he caught fire at the end of the year, which adds to the hype going into the 2026 season.
Manning currently has a 15 percent chance at being the No. 1 pick, according to Reid. His best football to date came at the end of the 2025 season, putting Texas within shouting distance of a possible College Football Playoff run. One fewer loss might've been a difference maker.
For now, Manning's job is to show consistency throughout the season. He threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Four of those came against a stout Michigan defense in the Citrus Bowl.
Texas added a few additional playmakers, with Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers leading the list of transfers for Steve Sarkisian and his staff. This gives Manning and Texas their best shot at being one of the final 12 this year.
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