Texas quarterback Arch Manning is looking to take the Longhorns far this season after spending time learning as the backup behind Quinn Ewers. Manning has chosen to remain at Texas, where he’s only started a handful of games—but looked impressive in those limited appearances.
SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum also offered high praise for the Texas quarterback, even comparing him to one of college football’s all-time greats.
“Arch Manning is the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006,” Finebaum said.
Despite all the hype surrounding his NFL potential, some insiders still believe Manning could remain in college for two more years.
“The word from people that have been down there visiting Texas for scouting visits has been that they expect Arch to be there for two more seasons," Field Yates said. "Will that prevail? We'll see, but that has been the sentiment that scouts have been gathering when they spend time around the Texas program this past season."
If Manning does declare for the 2026 draft, Pro Football Network’s Max Dorsey projects him going No. 2 overall to the New York Jets.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“Manning has only started two college football games, but will officially take the helm for the Longhorns in 2025. From the small sample size he put on tape in 2024, it’s already clear he has the arm, athleticism, size, and overall skill set to be as good as any quarterback in the country. Manning could be considered the best player in this class with a good season at Texas this year,” Dorsey wrote.
Manning comes from a legendary football family, and in his limited action so far, he’s shown flashes of that same greatness. If everything clicks in 2025, there's a real chance he could be the future starting quarterback of the New York Jets.