Getting into the season, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was hailed as a No. 1 pick candidate within the 2026 NFL Draft. Oh, how issues have modified after simply two video games. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — who has been masking the draft for the community since 1984 — mentioned the first-year starter ought to keep in class.
Mel Kiper Jr. explains why Arch Manning is not pro-ready
“I am not popping out after one season,” Kiper mentioned on “First Draft.” “Historical past tells us you should not. I might need to undergo a 12 months the place he is the man, and also you see that alpha, you see the man, I’ve bought a command of the offense, bought a command of school soccer. He is making an attempt to determine it out, and in case you’re making an attempt to determine it out in faculty, you are not going to the NFL in April. Overlook about it. He is again at Texas for subsequent season.”
QBs who begin one 12 months in faculty usually flop within the NFL. The Chicago Bears took North Carolina QB Mitchell Trubisky with choose No. 2 within the 2017 draft. He posted a barely below-average 87.2 passer ranking in 4 seasons with the Bears and is now a Buffalo Payments backup.
Extra importantly, Manning (6-foot-4, 219 kilos) would not look No. 1 pick-worthy. The 21-year-old hasn’t been horrendous. Via two begins in opposition to Ohio State and San Jose State, he has accomplished 36-of-60 passes (60 %) for 465 yards, 5 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Nevertheless, he isn’t on tempo to supply comparable numbers as different QBs who went first general. 2025 No. 1 choose Cam Ward (now with the Tennessee Titans) accomplished 305-of-454 passes (67.2 %) for 4,313 yards, 39 TDs and 7 interceptions in 13 video games throughout his remaining season at Miami.
2024 No. 1 choose Caleb Williams (now with the Bears) accomplished 266-of-388 passes (68.6 %) for 3,633 yards, 30 TDs and 5 interceptions in 12 video games in his remaining season at USC. He additionally received the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
Manning — the nephew of Tremendous Bowl champions Peyton and Eli — may nonetheless attain his potential. However it is going to take time. That is why different draft consultants ought to take heed to Kiper and take him off their large boards for 2026.
