Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with a bit of momentum from the end of last year. But not everyone believes he’s a top-five talent.

In Bleacher Report’s College Football’s Top 25 QBs for 2026 After Transfers and Eligibility Changes, the Texas star passer was ranked No. 6 on the list.

This came as a surprise given Manning’s expectations and being the current way-too-early Heisman Trophy favorite. He’s a high-profile quarterback with one of the most recognizable names in the sport and was expected to be among the leaders for 2026.

Who was ranked ahead of Manning?

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin was top overall on this list. Last year’s Heisman finalist comes into this season needing to stay consistent. Behind him was Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, who needed a court order to be eligible in 2026. Oregon’s Dante Moore was No. 3 after putting off the NFL for another year. Miami’s Darian Mensah was No. 4 and takes over for the exiting Carson Beck. LSU’s Sam Leavitt rounds out the top five for his first season under Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge.

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There are a few reasons why Manning sits just outside the elite tier in this particular ranking. First, his 2025 season was bad early, which tempered some of the preseason hype around him. Some analysts noted that while he finished strong with improved production late in the year, it wasn’t enough to vault him above other returning or transfer quarterbacks deemed more consistent or high-impact over the full season.

Second, the quarterback landscape for 2026 is unusually deep, with dynamic returners and impact transfers ahead of Manning, including top-ranked prospects like Sayin, Chambliss and Moore. Some evaluators may also weigh surrounding talent, offensive systems and projected development more heavily, which influences preseason rankings.

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Finally, no two ranking systems are alike at this point before the season. Other outlets and draft boards place Manning much higher, but Bleacher Report is reserved at this point.

Manning will have a better supporting cast in Austin and will have the opportunity to shine early. Week 2 will be another Texas-Ohio State matchup. You can except fireworks from both Sayin and Manning with several NFL evaluators in attendance.

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