After a stellar debut season in Austin as the full-time QB1, NFL scouts see the Texas signal-caller as a generational talent destined for the first overall pick in 2027.
The expectations surrounding Arch Manning have been sky-high since he arrived at Texas, but the latest projection for the Longhorns quarterback takes those expectations to another level.
After just his first season as the full-time starter for the Longhorns, many think that he is the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings is one of those people, and he has Manning going first overall to the Arizona Cardinals in his latest mock draft.
"The Arizona Cardinals drafted Carson Beck at the top of Round 3 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they should see what they have in Beck this coming season," Cummings writes. "My personal opinion, however, is that the Beck selection was a massive reach for a QB whose arm is clearly stunted from past surgeries... QB will likely be a need for Arizona again in 2027, and Arch Manning will be a prime contender to fill that role."
This isn't simply a projection based on a famous last name or recruiting rankings. Manning now has an entire season of leading Texas under his belt, and NFL scouts have taken notice of the traits that make him such an intriguing prospect.
He racked up 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air in his year as the full-time starter, and he did so while completing just over 61 percent of his passes. Manning also was very impressive with his legs, tallying just under 400 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Of course, there is still plenty of football left before the 2027 NFL Draft arrives. Manning will have additional opportunities to strengthen his resume, improve his consistency, and continue developing against elite competition.
If he does that, he could become the undisputed choice with the No. 1 pick, and he has that kind of talent.
For now, the focus in Austin remains on winning games, competing for SEC championships, and making another run at the College Football Playoff. But if Manning continues to build on what he has already accomplished as the Longhorns' starting quarterback, the path from Texas to the top of the NFL Draft could become a reality.
That's the kind of future every program hopes to produce—and one that currently appears well within reach for Texas and Arch Manning.
