IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Jul 26, 2026 4:00 PM
As Texas faces playoff pressure, Mario Cristobal’s history with high-profile transfers could lure the Manning heir to South Florida for a final, Heisman-caliber push toward the NFL.
MIAMI, Fla. – A new college football season approaches and the Miami Hurricanes roll with another top-market transfer quarterback. Darian Mensah follows the same path as Cam Ward and Carson Beck – expected to surpass both and deliver hardware. If he puts together a significant individual campaign, while leading the Hurricanes to success, the 21-year-old will likely depart for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Mario Cristobal stated at ACC Kickoff Media Day that the program is prepared to move forward without pursuing another transfer portal quarterback. However, if a unique opportunity presented itself, it would be explored. A name to keep an eye on way ahead of the 2027 fall transfer portal window is Arch Manning.
The rich football history of the Manning family is well documented – 20 total Pro Bowl honors and four Super Bowls. Whether it’s fair or not, the third-generation quarterback faces elite expectations unlike any other. If that wasn’t enough pressure, he plays in the Southeastern Conference.
Manning has been with the Texas Longhorns since graduating from Isidore Newman School in 2023. He wasn’t an initial starter and took a backseat to Quinn Ewers before taking over the reins in 2025. As the full-time Longhorns quarterback, Manning put together a strong campaign: 248 of 404 passes completed (61.4 percent) and threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, including seven interceptions in 13 games.
Despite the individual success, the program went 9-3 during the regular season. The Longhorns suffered key losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia. It wasn’t an appealing resume for the Selection Committee to include them in the College Football Playoffs. Manning’s first taste of a full season ended on a sour note.
The Longhorns added 23 transfers to the roster, plus a top-10 freshman class.
Manning is viewed as a leading Heisman Trophy candidate for a second consecutive season. He will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, with another year of NCAA eligibility availabile, and is already surrounded by first-round projections.
However, if the Longhorns go through another underwhelming season, the risk of Manning exploring the transfer portal likely increases. It could be considered unwise to full-on declare for the NFL Draft without a proper college resume. Manning has intriguing individual components, but the lack of team success could be a concern for scouts and executives.
The Hurricanes have a reputation of poking around for opportunities. Regardless of “tampering” accusations, it’s nothing against the NCAA rules.
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shannon Dawson has created something special with Ward and Beck. They both made significant impacts with the Hurricanes and secured promising NFL futures. Dawson is looking to do the same with Mensah.
The Hurricanes have the resources to present Manning an intriguing NIL package if he were to enter the portal. Plus, the resume of competing with elite transfer quarterbacks is undeniable.
Manning’s decision will be on watch following the 2026 college football season.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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