Mel Kiper Jr. weighs in on Arch Manning’s draft stock after 2 starts
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Mel Kiper Jr. knows Arch Manning has a wealth of talent in his body and especially in that right arm.
But the longtime ESPN NFL Draft expert also knows that Manning just took over the starting quarterback job at Texas. Manning has had all of 2 starts for the Longhorns to begin the 2025 season, losing a forgettable season opener at Ohio State before coming home to Austin and letting loose for 4 touchdown passes in a victory over San Jose State.
On Sunday, Kiper weighed in on what Manning should do after this season ends and the 2026 NFL Draft beckons. Kiper shared his thoughts in an ESPN story that touched on several potential 2026 NFL Draft prospects on Sunday. Here’s an excerpt:
… I still think Manning goes back to school. He needs to become a great college quarterback before he can become a great NFL quarterback, and he hasn’t gotten there yet. The potential is here, for sure. But one full year as a CFB starter isn’t going to be enough to reach the next level before jumping to the pros. I wouldn’t put him on mock drfts or even rankings right now.
In his 2 starts for Texas, Manning is a combined 36 of 60 for 465 yards passing, 5 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. The 2025 season is Manning’s grand entrance to the college football world, and it’s a lot to take in. Kiper has seen this before from other young quarterbacks, and he believes there should be a follow-up season for Manning at Texas.
For now, the only thing Manning is thinking about this week is how to prepare to beat UTEP, which No. 7 Texas will host on Saturday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
