Arch Manning is currently serving as a backup quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, behind starter Quinn Ewers. He is expected to see playing time this season during games where Texas holds a significant lead, similar to recent matchups.
Although Manning is a redshirt freshman who has yet to make his first start in college football, his impressive lineage has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about his potential NFL draft eligibility. At just 19 years old, he graduated from Isidore Newman High School in 2023. According to NFL regulations, a player must be at least three years removed from high school to enter the draft, meaning Manning could potentially enter the draft as early as 2026, provided he does not opt to extend his college career.
Arch comes from a football family; both of his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, attended college for four years—Peyton at the University of Tennessee and Eli at Ole Miss. While this history does not guarantee that Arch will spend the same amount of time at Texas, it is noteworthy.
Additionally, Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, although less famous than his brothers, was a talented wide receiver during his high school years before his football aspirations were halted due to spinal stenosis.
Fans eager to see Arch Manning play in the NFL should be prepared to wait, as he is likely to remain in college for at least one more season after 2024.