The top-ranked Texas Longhorns, with Arch Manning at the helm, have emerged as strong contenders for the College Football Playoff. Despite this success, Manning’s potential placement in the 2027 NFL Draft seems to be slipping. His performance has not consistently met expectations.
In games against high-caliber teams like Ohio State and Tennessee, Manning’s shortcomings as a passer have been evident. He recorded interceptions and limited passing yards, with 195 yards and 201 yards respectively. This performance falls short of the high expectations set for him as a possible top pick in the NFL Draft.
As the season unfolds, Manning’s draft ranking has seen a decline. CBS NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson has noted this drop, removing Manning from the list of first-round picks in his recent mock draft. Wilson explained that Manning hasn’t met the high expectations, stating, “I’ve talked to folk in the league that are… I don’t want to say frustrated. But Arch Manning has not lived up to expectations.” According to Wilson, Manning faces greater pressure than his famous uncles due to today’s technology-driven environment. Yet, his performance hasn’t matched that of a first-round contender.
Wilson compared Manning to other draft picks known for arm talent but who have not succeeded as starting quarterbacks in the NFL, mentioning players like Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. These comparisons underscore concerns regarding Manning’s potential. Wilson expressed, “Arch Manning is one of the best athletes playing college football. He has a big arm, he can do a lot of things well. But he has not played, either last year or this year, like a top 15 pick.” Wilson emphasized the possibility of selecting other players to fill team needs over investing in a developmental quarterback like Manning at this stage.
Despite the critique, Manning still has the opportunity to alter his trajectory. His team’s success presents him with a stage to showcase his value, especially if Texas maintains its current performance. Looking ahead, Manning has a significant opportunity to impress in the high-stakes Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners. This game, scheduled for October 10 at 3:30 pm EST on ABC, offers Manning a chance to boost his draft stock.