Joel Klatt does not expect Arch Manning to enter 2026 NFL Draft

With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, Arch Manning will be Texas‘ QB1 next season. FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt expects great things. On Monday, Klatt released his “way-too-early” Top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, in which he named Manning the No. 2 pick but with a caveat.

“Truth be told, I don’t think Arch is gonna come out, but he would be eligible. So, based on the rules, I’ve got to put him on the list,” Klatt said. “I know he hasn’t started a ton, but you see the athleticism and some of the starts that he has had. You see the arm strength, and I really believe Texas is going to take the next step.

“If they’re not in the National Championship game, I’m going to be fairly surprised. This Texas program is excellent. Sarkisian has built an incredible program. They had the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. I’m in on Texas. I’m in on Arch — only two career starts, but he would be right there if he decided to come out.”

Manning has spent two seasons at Texas, both as Ewers’ backup. However, he’ll finally have his chance to shine in the 2025 campaign. Manning enjoyed a taste of the limelight last season when Ewers suffered an abdominal injury in Week 3 against UTSA.

Manning replaced Ewers and looked like anything but a backup. He finished the game with 223 passing yards, 53 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.

Manning started in Texas’ next two games while Ewers continued to recover. One of those games was Texas’ SEC opener against Mississippi State. In the win, Manning completed 26-of-his-31 pass attempts for 325 yards and two TDs. He also notched a rushing score in the win.

Now, Arch Manning will have a full season to build on the foundation he set last season. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is eager to see what the third-year QB is capable of.

“I’m excited for him,” Sarkisian said on the Clean Pocket podcast. “He’s been patient. How many people have come after him from other schools to get him to transfer? He’s stayed the course and stayed true to his word, so we’re pumped about him.

“… This guy has got a charismatic, some ‘it’ about him,” Sarkisian added. “You can feel it. That’s not a knock against Quinn. Everybody leads differently. He’s got something about him that guys gravitate to. That’s always a great thing to have as a quarterback.”