Manning is set to be among the draft's elite prospects, but will he be No. 1?
It's no secret that Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is already being penciled in as a top draft prospect for next year.
While Arch got off to an uneven start in 2025, he found his stride in the second half of the season, which has fans excited for what 2026 will bring.
We know success is never linear, but many expect Arch to improve substantially this season, with some seeing him as one of, if not the top draft pick, in a year's time.
Now, there's plenty of water to go under that bridge, and Manning isn't exactly the only stud quarterback to be in this class, but he does have the potential to separate himself in the conversation.
But what does he need to do in order to solidify himself as the top prospect?
Winning obviously, and a trip to the College Football Playoffs is a good place to start, plus he has to play well.
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But for ESPN's Jordan Reid, he's named one thing Arch can do that could see him become the No. 1 pick in the draft.
"His first year as a starter was a mixture of highs and lows, starting with an underwhelming season-opening performance against Ohio State," Reid wrote. "Things started to click in mid-October, with his physical and mental toughness shining down the stretch.
"He consistently withstood pressure and made throws under duress. Can he continue to build on those moments? If he can, Manning will be a strong contender to become the No. 1 overall pick, which is why I had him in that slot in my early 2027 mock draft."
So, to continue being the relentless competitor we saw last season.
There's no denying Arch has all the tools needed to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL, and we have seen in several mock drafts that have him heading to the New York Jets; others have him going to the Arizona Cardinals.
If he were to go to either of those teams, he would be under pressure week in, week out, which we have seen get to young quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen.
But Arch is different, and he might be what those franchise's need.
The 2026 season is set to be an exciting one for Longhorns fans, with the expected progression of Arch set to be something that dominates the headlines.
