NCAAF 2026: Arch Manning’s Future About the NFL Draft is Clearer

• Arch Manning’s future and whether he will enter the 2026 NFL Draft have been somewhat(?) clarified
• The confusion emanated from his grandfather (and Manning family patriarch) Archie Manning’s statements about his grandson
• How does Arch cracking open the door to leave college after this year impact the future?

Now Arch Might Enter the NFL Draft, Maybe

Archie Manning made sure to maintain a semblance of ambiguity when he said he believed his grandson would stay in school for his senior year in 2026-27. But given the power he holds over the family, it was taken as a relative certainty.

However, once Arch spoke, he said he didn’t know where Archie got that from and that he received a texted apology from his grandfather.

The current odds for Arch Manning to be the first QB taken in the 2026 draft have increased slightly. They were +750 immediately after Archie’s statement. Now, they are +600.

The Circumstances Are Largely the Same

Just as before, there were likely some who believed that Archie’s statements would hold sway, and his saying it was a subtle message to his grandson that he wanted him to stay in college for his senior year, just as his uncles Peyton and Eli did.

Still, the situation now is different from then.

Peyton, barring injury, would have been the first overall pick as a junior, like he was as a senior. Eli had a poor junior year, so he was not going to come out.

Arch is playing for a University of Texas team favored to win the CFP title. The combination of a title-contending team, the Manning name, Arch’s talent, and that he’s the favorite (+650) for the Heisman Trophy makes him a natural prospect for the first overall pick.

As a junior and with the date in which he needs to declare for the draft not coming until mid-January, there’s no rush. His status gives him cover if he has a subpar year, or a team he doesn’t want to play for secures the number 1 pick.

Suffice it to say, he’s not coming out if the Browns get the first overall pick.

If it’s the Giants, yeah, maybe he’ll come out to play for the team for whom Uncle Eli won two Super Bowl MVPs.

If it’s the Saints, yeah, maybe he’ll come out to play for the team where his grandfather played the bulk of his career, in his home state, and where his family is royalty.

Arch Manning’s Future is Wide Open

Arch’s clarification about his future changed the odds slightly. When thinking about how to predict what he’ll do, it’s important to consider the above factors. By around midseason in the NFL and NCAAF, the situation will settle even further. It is wise to act accordingly.

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