Could Texas' Arch Manning Stay With Longhorns In 2027? Steve Sarkisian Gives Intriguing Answer

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is clearly excited to have Arch Manning as his quarterback in 2026.

After Arch showed exactly what he was about in 2025, leading the Longhorns to a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.

Attention now turns to what sort of season Manning can have with the Longhorns in 2026, with a full offseason as "the" guy and the expectations for the improvement he's expected to make.

Because of what Arch has already shown in college, there are some who think it is a mere formality that once the season ends, he'll declare for the NFL Draft and take his talents to the NFL.

But what if he didn't?

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What if Manning doesn't declare for the draft and decides to have one more year of college football in 2027?

Well, for Sarkisian, who was a guest on the Up & Adams Show, he gave a rather interesting answer when asked if Arch could return to the Longhorns in 2027.

"You know, we haven’t had the discussion, but I will tell you, I would not be surprised," Sarkisian said. "I think Arch really loves college football, I really do.

"I think he loves the University of Texas, he does pretty good through NIL, he’s got some pretty good endorsements going right now, which is a credit to him.

"At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if he declares and decides to go to the draft." 

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So, Sark is betting both ways here, and it tells us that Arch could really do either.

He could come into the NFL in 2027, and get drafted to say the New York Jets or Arizona Cardinals. 

Or he could have another full year of college football, develop even more, and improve his game before hitting the pros as an even more well-rounded quarterback.

We know that quarterbacks who have a lot of college starts, tend to fare better in the NFL, at least initially, and Arch could have nearly 30 stars under his belt before going to the NFL.

What will Arch do? Sark doesn't truly know, and I bet Manning doesn't either.