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Arch Manning will not be entering the 2026 NFL Draft. This is information that was already known, at least by those reading the tea leaves.
The passer’s granddad provided confirmation for those maybe unaware. In doing so, he proved Nick Saban’s daughter right on another speculative topic of discussion.
Much hinges on Manning’s future in Austin. His decision to declare for the draft will impact both NFL teams and the Texas Longhorns.
With the quarterback under center, UT is a national title contender. If he leaves, that could change.
Professional organizations are salivating at the possibility of adding the next generation of Manning to their rosters. A tank-a-thon has been suggested, but those franchises must be sure of his intentions before doing so.
When will Arch Manning declare for the NFL Draft?
That’s hard to say without having direct knowledge from either him or those in his circle. What can be expected is that he’ll be at Texas for at least four seasons. It’s his grandpa’s wish!
Peyton Manning spent four years at Tennessee before moving onto the NFL. Eli Manning did the same at Ole Miss.
Education is important, and Texas is Arch Manning’s dream school. He wants to do what his uncles (and grandfather) couldn’t – win a national championship.
He has the Longhorns poised for a title run in 2025, but even if that does come to fruition, his departure for the ’26 NFL Draft is not anticipated.
His fourth season at UT will be next year. That suggests that the earliest he’d intend to leave would be in April of ’27. And with a redshirt year in his back pocket, April of ’28 remains a possibility.
Archie Manning confirmed those beliefs in an offseason interview. “Arch isn’t going to do that,” he said when asked about the possibility of entering the upcoming draft. “He’ll be at Texas.”
Archie Manning proved Kristen Saban right.
A rumor surrounding former Alabama football coach Nick Saban surfaced at 2025 SEC Media Days. His old quarterback Greg McElroy implied that Saban’s ready to return to coaching.
“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me… a very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire, they seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching…
“He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again… If it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”
-Greg McElroy
McElroy did not say whether that would come at the college or NFL level. Only that Saban was eyeing a potential return.
Nick Saban’s daughter, Kristen, refuted those claims. She stated that a return is not in the cards. He’s been there and done that. There are no plans to coach again.
Sports host Colin Cowherd only fueled the speculation with his take on Arch Manning. He said the Cleveland Browns were a likely landing spot thanks to the “worst kept secret in the South.”
“Saban, if he could land I’m told a top quarterback… would take a phone call for the NFL.”
-Colin Cowherd
Cowherd connected the dots between Browns owner Jimmy Haslem, Saban, and the Mannings. With the team expected to be a contender for the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2026, he predicted that Cleveland would select Arch Manning leading Nick Saban out of retirement.
Archie Manning all but confirmed that it won’t happen, at least not for now. Cowherd’s prediction has been put on hold for at least one season longer. For now, it appears that Kristen Saban was right about her father’s future.