The Arch Manning hype train just got a major push from one of the NFL draft world’s most respected voices.
On Monday, Todd McShay delivered a strong early verdict on the Texas Longhorns quarterback, calling him his early No. 1 overall prospect for the 2026 NFL draft. And he didn’t hold back.
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“I’m not going to bury the lede,” McShay said. “Based on Arch Manning’s 2024 tape — and assuming he continues developing at the pace he has to this point — I wouldn’t hesitate to make him my early no 1 prospect in the 2026 draft class. He is that gifted and has shown immense potential in the limited playing time he’s had through his first two seasons at Texas.”
Manning saw action in 10 games last season, making two starts and completing nearly 68 percent of his passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He added 108 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Despite backing up Quinn Ewers for most of the year, Manning left a strong impression — showcasing the accuracy, poise and deep-ball touch that made him the nation’s top recruit coming out of high school.
Now, heading into the 2025 season, the keys to the Longhorns’ offense officially belong to Manning.
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With Texas opening the year at Ohio State on Aug. 30 in a high-stakes showdown, all eyes will be on the sophomore signal-caller to deliver under pressure.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
McShay’s assessment underscores the belief that Manning has both the pedigree and polish to become a franchise-changing NFL quarterback.
If he continues on his current trajectory, expect his draft stock to continue to rise.
Related: Steve Sarkisian Addresses “Elephant In The Room” For Texas’ Offense With Arch Manning