Arch Manning by way of the University of Texas is the nation’s most highly touted quarterback. He’s entering his first year as a full-time starter. Expectations were lofty for the young Manning. He’s demanded headlines for all the right reasons, not least due to his pedigree, including family ties with his uncle, NFL great Peyton Manning. Throughout the SEC Media Days, he artfully evaded questions regarding his imminent move to the professional level. Exotics, fans, and just analyst people having no idea what he’s going to do.
Aspects of Manning’s performance this season will have a direct impact on his status as he enters the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who maintains a strong relationship with the Manning family, including Peyton, recently addressed rumors linking Manning to the Browns’ future draft plans. What Arch Manning becomes in his potential professional career is far from the heady discussion along Haslam’s radar screen today.
“He has a lot of potential, but we are focused on our current team,” said Haslam. And I think if you’re connected with the Manning family, I would just wager that—and I don’t know Arch at all—I would wager he stays in college two years.
The Browns are in possession of two first-round picks thanks to previous trades in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This begs the question of how they approach an obvious quarterback search. Haslam made it clear that any decision on Manning would have to ultimately rest with Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
In the course of that same discussion, Haslam responded to speculation regarding the Browns’ past quarterback selections, including the decision to take Shedeur Sanders. He firmly denied any influence on that decision, stating, “If you’d have told me … Friday night driving home, y’all are going to pick Shedeur, I would have said, ‘That’s not happening.’”
Heather Dinich, an ESPN college football analyst, had some pretty spectacular things to say about Manning’s game-breaking ability as a quarterback. She highlighted his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. Texas should be able to leverage those qualities all year. That skillset has plenty believing he’ll be an effective weapon for the Longhorns both in 2024 and beyond.
Manning gets ready for what most would consider a make-or-break season at Texas. Fans and analysts alike will be closely observing his continued development as the season progresses. While speculation about his future in the NFL lingers, he remains focused on performing well in college and honing his skills.
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