Texas QB Arch Manning Expected to Return for 2026 Season

Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback for the 2025 season, is generating significant NFL Draft buzz as a potential top-five pick in the 2026 draft. Despite this hype, Manning's limited college experience—only 249 offensive snaps so far—suggests he might benefit from another year at Texas to develop his skills. His grandfather, Archie Manning, has publicly stated that Arch will return to Texas for the 2026 season, though Arch himself has been noncommittal about his draft plans, emphasizing a day-by-day approach. Manning's strong performances in limited action last season, including a 69.4% completion rate and 8 touchdowns in key games, have fueled speculation about his readiness for the pros. While other college football players like Jeremiah Smith and Garrett Nussmeier are also drawing Heisman hype, Arch Manning remains a central figure in college football discussions heading into 2025. The anticipation around Manning's future reflects both his family legacy and his potential impact on Texas' bid for a national championship.