Arch Manning back to Texas in 2027? ESPN makes ‘wild’ prediction involving Longhorns QB
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Arch Manning is expected to do big things for the Texas Longhorns during the 2026 college football season.
He was expected to do big things in 2025, too, as the Longhorns were the No. 1 team in the preseason AP Poll. Obviously, those great things never fully materialized, but Manning and the rest of the Longhorns ended the year on a high note.
Once again, Manning is being projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, but ESPN’s college football analysts wonder if the Texas QB is done in Austin yet. In a piece making 10 wild predictions for 2026, ESPN ponders Manning potentially returning to play for Steve Sarkisian and company in 2027, too:
Manning returns to school for another year … or two or three: Even after an up-and-down first season as Texas’ starting QB, Arch Manning could have left for the NFL and been, perhaps, the first player taken. He’s almost universally projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft, too, but if he didn’t bolt after last season, why assume he’ll go pro after this one? Manning doesn’t need the cash, and life in Austin is amazing. Would playing for a last-place NFL team really be a step up from being the most famous man in Austin? So, sign Manning up for Year 5 at Texas and, given the onslaught of eligibility lawsuits lately, there’s no reason to think he needs to stop there. After all, there’s a reasonable argument that being forced to play for the New York Jets would violate Manning’s Eighth Amendment rights.
Texas has a few other potential 2027 first-round picks on its roster this fall, including edge rusher Colin Simmons, WR Cam Coleman (an Auburn transfer) and OL Trevor Goosby. Will those guys all come together to form a Playoff squad in 2026?
Currently, at Kalshi, Texas has a 69% chance to make the field of 12 teams. Check out the latest market below:
Texas opens the 2026 regular season with a visit from Texas State. Ohio State makes the trip to Austin in Week 2.
RELATED: Arch Manning is sure to be a favorite pick among DFS players this fall. Check out our list of the best DFS apps on the market today, including our favorite apps like PrizePicks.
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Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
