In one of the biggest announcements of the college football offseason, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has officially declared for the NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility and walking away from a $10 million NIL deal that would have kept him in Austin. The decision comes after a breakout campaign that vaulted Manning into elite draft territory, with multiple scouting agencies and NFL evaluators giving him a consensus top-10 grade.
For months, speculation surrounded whether Manning — the highly touted nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie — would return for one more run at a national championship. Instead, he’s decided the time is now to take his game to the next level. Sources close to the situation say Manning’s camp was swayed by strong feedback from several NFL front offices that view him as one of the most polished quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Manning’s final season at Texas showcased his evolution as a complete quarterback. He demonstrated command of the Longhorns’ offense, exceptional decision-making under pressure, and pinpoint accuracy that consistently put his team in position to win. His combination of size, arm strength, and pedigree has scouts believing he could be the next franchise cornerstone in the league.
The reported NIL offer — said to be worth more than $10 million for one additional year at Texas — underscores just how valuable Manning is both on and off the field. Yet, his decision to turn it down and chase his NFL dreams speaks volumes about his confidence and readiness. “Arch has accomplished everything he set out to do at the college level,” one insider said. “He wants to challenge himself against the best, and the NFL is the next step.”
Manning’s entry into the draft immediately shakes up the quarterback class, creating a ripple effect among teams picking early. With several franchises in need of a young signal-caller, his top-10 projection ensures he’ll be one of the first names called on draft night.
For Texas, it marks the end of an era. Manning’s leadership and poise helped elevate the program into perennial contention, and his departure leaves massive shoes to fill in Austin. Still, his legacy is secure — a player who lived up to the Manning name while carving out his own identity as one of the nation’s most complete quarterbacks.
As the pre-draft process begins, all eyes will be on Manning’s workouts, interviews, and potential appearance at the NFL Combine. If his college production and pedigree are any indication, he’ll have every opportunity to become the next star quarterback to carry the family name into NFL greatness.
Arch Manning is headed to Sundays — and the football world is watching.
