Arch Manning responds to 2026 NFL Draft rumors: 'I'm really just worried about getting through this interview'

Before even taking a snap as the full-time starting quarterback at Texas, Arch Manning is fielding questions regarding his 2026 NFL Draft status. Manning is eligible to declare after this season after spending three seasons in Austin. However, many have speculated he will remain at Texas to get at least two years under his belt.

While Manning is likely six months away from needing to make a decision, he was asked about potentially declaring. To little surprise, Manning was able to dodge the question and not give too much of an answer. Like most players will say, all focus is on the task ahead.

“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

In late June, ESPN released its latest 2026 NFL mock draft and Manning was not included. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik went No. 1 overall, with three other QBs included in the first round. Two will spend this season playing in the SEC, Garrett Nussmeier and LaNorris Sellers, but neither will go head-to-head against Manning — at least in the regular season.

But there is so much hype and expectations surrounding Texas this season, it’s easy to wonder why Manning would stay if worthy being a high draft pick. Head coach Steve Sarkisian even admitted he hopes Manning has a difficult decision to make next January. Texas would be the big beneficiary in that scenario.

“I just want the guy to have a really good season this year, and we’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it,” Sarkisian said. “I hope he has a really hard decision to make, because that means he played really good.”

As Manning mentioned, all attention is currently on the season ahead. NFL scouts will still be itching to get a look at him, though, especially early on. Texas will go to Columbus for the season opener against Ohio State, a game expected to have a ton of NFL talent. You have to imagine plenty of NFL eyes will be either on the sideline or in the stands.

Plenty of quality SEC defenses pop up on the schedule. Texas will host a few of those games and Manning will lead the Longhorns on the road. And if everything goes to plan for Sarkisian, there is no bigger stage than the College Football Playoff.