Texas QB Arch Manning Predicted to Replace Polarizing $160 Million NFL Quarterback

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has some time before his NFL draft future is determined. Manning is not eligible to turn pro until the 2026 NFL draft , but this has not stopped speculation about where the quarterback could land.

The Longhorns QB2 has only played in five career collegiate games, so there is plenty of time for the quarterback's draft stock to fluctuate. That said, he is already the early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Arch Manning's dad is Cooper Manning. He is also the nephew of NFL royalties Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. The challenge in predicting potential landing spots for Manning is teams looking for a quarterback in 2025 are unlikely fits.

One NFL team that could be in the market for a new quarterback in 2026 is the New York Giants, Eli Manning's former team. Walter Football's early 2026 NFL mock draft predicts Arch Manning will be selected by the Giants with the No. 1 overall selection.

"I imagine there’s a chance the Giants eschew quarterbacks once again in the 2025 NFL Draft so they can use this pick on the quarterback they really want," Walter Football detailed on Jun. 24.

"The grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch Manning has been a highly coveted prospect for quite some time and is the favorite to be chosen first overall whenever he declares."

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones' four-year, $160 million contract runs through the 2026 season. It remains to be seen if Jones will hang onto the starting gig beyond 2024.

Athlon Sports has already gone over the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets as additional fits. Manning's draft stock is sure to heat up in 2025, when the quarterback is expected to take over as Texas QB1 for Quinn Ewers.

Related: Texas QB Arch Manning Could Replace $160 Million Former Super Bowl Champ