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Before the start of the college football season, Arch Manning was in talks to become the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, despite only three starts under his belt.
Well, that chatter quickly died down, as Manning and the Longhorns struggled.
Texas and the former five-star recruit found their way late, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to earn a trip to the College Football Playoff.
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Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
After the season, Manning announced his intention to stay in school, but his father, Cooper, said that decision was made a long time ago.
When asked in a recent interview if Arch “still stayed in school,” the father replied, “Yes.”
“I grew up listening to my parents talk about how great college was, I still love my years in college, Eli was there for five, Peyton was for four. It’s such a fun and special time in your life. The idea of rushing and trying to get out of there seems a little silly to me,” Cooper continued.
Arch Manning (left) chats with his father Cooper Manning before the Big 12 football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Texas Longhorns on November 12, 2022 at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“I know how challenging the next level is. So enjoy every moment of college. If you’re lucky enough to go to the University of Texas and spend time in Austin, Texas, where people like you can play football and go to these big SEC cities and compete at the highest level with your teammates and with your great friends, shooting, why would anyone want to hurry up and get out of there?”
In all likelihood, Manning will make it in 2027, and he figures to be at the top of the selection committee, just like his uncles.
However, one of Eli’s uncles played his hand, refusing to play for the San Diego Chargers, who had the No. 1 overall pick. The Chargers drafted him anyway, but sent him to the New York Giants.
Could Arch do the same thing?
“I have no idea,” Cooper said.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a Mississippi State NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/James Pugh)
“Anything beyond spring football is too far away to think about right now. Enjoying the big win against Michigan and seeing some new players coming in, saying goodbye to some guys in this portal and looking forward to making new teammates, good friends and vice versa. So we’re not looking too far into the football world. Keep it simple and keep your head down, and everything should be fine.”
