For most, Arch Manning is going to be a high draft pick, even No. 1, but apparently not everyone thinks so.
The 2026 college football season for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is all about proving he is one of the best prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
For some, after his 2025 season, in which he led the Longhorns to a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan, he's already there, but others think another good-to-great season in 2026 will get him there.
We know of Arch's dual-threat ability, and he improved as a passer the longer the year went on, and now, as he approaches the new season, he's seen as one of, if not the best, quarterbacks in the country.
But that doesn't mean he'll be a top draft pick apparently.
Well, at least for ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers.
Appearing on First Take, the subject of Arch came up, and Rodgers needs to see more efficiency from Manning in 2026 to overcome his lack of athleticism; once he does, he'll be a top draft pick.
"He's got good athleticism, but he's not an Anthony Richardson, so he needs to prove he can be more efficient, then I think you can get into that top 10 category," Rodgers said.
"But until that, I think a first round [pick] is eventually realistic. Top 10 right now? I need to see more of that efficiency for him to counterbalance a lack of an Anthony Richardson, 6'5", 4.4 (speed), run over you that doesn't mean you're going to be a successful quarterback, but it balances the lack of efficiency."
Ok, first of all, how many quarterbacks boast the athleticism of Richardson? Hardly anyone in college or the NFL, maybe Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen.
So, putting Arch in that category isn't fair.
As for the top 10 draft status, even Stephen A. Smith stated: "You trying to tell me a Manning is going to fall out of the top-10, at the quarterback spot? I mean, I need you tested right now."
It does seem out of the realm of possibility, if Arch is healthy for 2026, that he won't be a top 10 pick, and you could make the case that if the NFL Draft were tomorrow, he'd be a top-10 selection already.
So, he has a full season, with a stud offensive line, a great supporting cast, and a good defense to make something of the new year.
But Arch not being a top-10 draft selection is a little baffling for me, and likely is for Longhorn fans as well.
