Published: 12:48 BST, 7 August 2025 | Updated: 12:48 BST, 7 August 2025
Arch Manning won't be entering the 2026 NFL Draft, as his legendary football grandfather, Archie Manning, dropped a major hint about the Texas quarterback's future.
Manning enters the college football season as one of the most prominent athletes under the NCAA banner, as he is expected to lead the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoff.
Some are so confident in Arch that they are already projecting him to be a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while the 21-year-old has yet to comment on his desire to stay in Austin beyond this season.
Archie, who may be one of the only people in the know for his prized grandson's future plans, has completely shut down the possibility of him leaving for the NFL after his sophomore season.
'Arch isn’t going to do that,' Archie said to [Texas Monthly.](https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/arch-manning-ut-football-quarterback/) 'He’ll be at Texas.'
Plans change, and there's always a slight chance grandpa could have bad information. That does seem to push Archie to a 2027 draftee at the earliest.
Arch Manning won't be entering the 2026 draft, per his legendary grandfather, Archie Manning
Archie put his grandson's plans on blast before his first season as Texas' starting quarterback
One of the reasons Manning staying in Austin, in line with what occurred with his family lineage of uncles Peyton and Eli Manning, is his ridiculous name, image, and likeness portfolio.
Manning is the highest-earning NCAA athlete, with his NIL evaluation, per [On3](https://www.on3.com/rivals/arch-manning-7353/nil/), at $6.8million, which is higher than the annual value of most NFL rookie contracts.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck is second on that list at $4.3million, meaning Manning clears everyone else in college sports by $2.5million. That difference alone would make him the No 16 highest-profiting athlete.
The hype around Arch comes as he has not had a full season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns.
He sat behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, with shouts for Manning to usurp his fellow five-star prep prospect.
Now, those hoping to see him in the NFL soon may have to wait until after the next two Super Bowl champions are crowned.