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Texas Longhorns
Aug 19, 2025 5:45 PM EDT
The Arch Manning experience has finally fully arrived. Coming from a long lineage of distinguished NFL quarterbacks and arriving at a program desperate for a national championship.
But the big question right now: will this prodigal son stay and start for two seasons at Texas, or will he decide to make the jump to the NFL after this year? His grandfather and namesake, Archie Manning, a figure of football nobility himself, recently told Texas Monthly that Arch would be staying for two years.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” Archie Manning said of Arch potentially leaving after one season. “He’ll be at Texas.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. — Source: Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, Arch Manning himself refuted that idea, making his own statement on the matter:
“Yeah, I don’t know where he got that from,” Manning said when meeting with media this week. “He texted me and apologized about that. I’m really just taking it day-by-day right now.”
That quote might have surprised Texas fans or Manning’s own grandfather, but Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd expects an open attitude from the Longhorn QB on his 2026 NFL Draft prospects and reacted in a knowing and nonchalant way to this latest news. He merely offered a shrug emoji.
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We aren’t here to translate emoji-speak or speculate on Cowherd’s greater knowledge of the situation, but he’s always had good info on quarterbacks at the college level, and this reaction from him suggests that, like Arch Manning himself, Cowherd isn’t counting out the addition of another Manning to the NFL next spring.
Cowherd explains why Arch Manning must consider 2026 NFL Draft
When Archie Manning’s comments first came up, Cowherd spent time on his show, The Herd, explaining why Arch Manning is going to have to consider the NFL Draft next spring.
“If he beats Ohio State in Columbus, wins the Heisman, or doesn’t and gets into the national championship game, it’d be really bad business to stay in college,” Cowherd argued.
He wouldn’t argue that the Mannings are typically of high intellect, which is why he believes the family isn’t going to pass up an obviously great opportunity.
“I know almost every Manning pretty well — they’re good at business, and they say the right thing when they have to,” Cowherd added.
Money could lure Manning to NFL sooner than later
Cowherd also notes the sheer financial gain potentially at stake.
“Arch Manning made $6.5 million last year at Texas in NIL, reportedly,” Cowherd continued. “Cam Ward made $48.7 million guaranteed as the No. 1 pick (in the 2025 NFL Draft). Arch, can I interest you in a $42 million loan?”
So, Cowherd isn’t surprised by Archie Manning’s thought process. But if the kid is as good as he’s been hyped, then the decision is going to be easy.
“This is the classic Mannings saying the right thing,” said Cowherd. “The Manning family is American football royalty. So this is exactly what you say. Arch Manning, if he’s as good as I think he is, he’s got to go pro.”
If mock drafts have Arch Manning at No. 1 come December, it’s going to be impossible to say no to heading to the NFL Draft. But if he’s not quite perfect yet? Well, the Mannings are ready to be patient.
About the Author
Alex Weber
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Alex Weber is a college football and basketball trending news writer for Athlon Sports.