2026 Texas Draft Watch: Arch Era Arrives With Unprecedented Expectations
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning attempts to live up the legacy.
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2026 NFL Draft Rankings: S || CB || LB || ER || DT || C || OG || OT || TE || WR || RB
TOP 10 DRAFT-ELIGIBLE TEXAS PROSPECTS FOR 2026
Location: Austin, Texas || Conference: SEC || Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (4 Years at Texas): 38-17); Overall 84-52) || NFL Draft Picks Under Sarkisian: 33 (8.25/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Sarkisian: 6 || UT in NFL: 55
1. Arch Manning, QB, rSo, 6036, 225, 4.55e (photo: Texas Athletics)
Evaluation: A blue-blood prospect who possesses prototype size, traits and leadership, Manning hails from football royalty. An elite level athlete, the first-year starter can step up in the pocket, avoid the pass-rush, or extend plays and remain accurate while throwing on the move. In fact, he’s extremely dangerous on play-action due to his threat as a runner and is very difficult to bring down due to his toughness. As one would anticipate, Manning owns sound mechanics and footwork. He is highly accurate in the short-to-intermediate parts of the field and confident enough to squeeze the ball into tight windows. In addition, Manning is willing to push the envelope when taking downfield chances and demonstrates nice deep ball touch. He can also alter his arm angles as needed. The biggest negative surrounding Manning is his lack of experience. He hasn’t seen as many live bullets at the collegiate level and did get caught off-guard on occasion by disguised coverages. Entering 2025, Manning has tossed just 95 passes, completing 66.3%, while throwing for 969 yards, running for 115 yards and accounting for 13 total touchdowns, to just two interceptions in 12 games (two starts). The sky is truly the ceiling as to how high the legacy prospect can elevate his game. Many expect Manning to land as the number one overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Background: The New Orleans native spent his first two seasons as a backup to Quinn Ewers, appearing in 12 games (2-0 as starter). A four-time All-State and All America selection at Isidore Newman High School (35-9 as starter); compiled 8,599 career passing yards and 115 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions (64.1%), adding 1,155 rushing yards (7.5 ypc) and 25 touchdowns. Broke the high school record for passing yards (previously held by uncle Eli Manning) and touchdowns (previously held by uncle Peyton Manning). Also played basketball in high school. Son of Cooper Manning, has a younger brother Heid. Grandfather is Archie Manning.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Jr, 6025, 235, 4.52e
Malik Muhammad, CB, Jr, 5116, 190, 4.46e
Michael Taaffe, S, rSr, 6002, 195, 4.55e
CJ Baxter, RB, rSo, 6010, 220, 4.52e
Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Jr, 5106, 195, 4.52e
DJ Campbell, OG, Sr, 6025, 330, 5.16e
Trevor Goosby, OT, rSo, 6060, 315, 5.10e
Trey Moore, ER, rSr, 6025, 245, 4.64e
Jack Endries, TE, rJr, 6040, 240, 4.66e
IN MEMORIAM: TROPICAL BOWL FOUNDER MICHAEL QUARTEY (1978-2025)
Gonna be interesting watching Arch this season. With only 2 college starts I’m not seeing him in next years draft! He needs reps more than money as his NIL money is a lot more than most first round draft picks so that shouldn’t impact his decision.