NFL draft rumors: Arch Manning clarifies Granddad’s statements

Texas Longhorn’s Quarterback Arch Manning clarified statements made by his legendary grandfather about his NFL draft status of 2026 as he approaches his first start of the 2025 season.

Archie Manning said earlier this month that his grandson and son of Cooper Manning would not declare the NFL draft after his red shirt the second season. But Arch Manning seemed to contradict his grandfather’s statement as he spoke with journalists on Tuesday.

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“I don’t know where he got it from,” he said. “He texted me to apologize for it. I’m really taking that day by day right now.”

Manning noted that Archie gives him advice on how to avoid dangerous hits on the football field.

“These hits add,” Arch Manning said. “My grandfather, he hobbles around these days. He ends every call with ‘get down or get out of bounds.'”

Texas Longhorn’s Quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks at the field before their fight against Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (John David Mercer/USA Today Sports)

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The noise around Manning’s draft status is a bit quiet for now, even as analysts believe he could be a # 1 choice in 2026 pool. It will definitely be higher if the team goes out and defeat Ohio State to start the season on August 30th.

It will be a great test for Manning, which has only appeared in 12 games throughout the first two seasons of his collegial career. He saw much more time last season and threw 939 passing yards and nine touchdown passes in 10 games.

Texas Quarterback Arch Manning listens to a question during SEC Media Days in College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. (Gary Cosby Jr. / USA Today Network via Imag images)

Texas enters the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the Preseason Associated Press Top 25 College Football Poll.