Texas quarterback Arch Manning is expected to land in a surprising NFL situation

The Texas Longhorns entered the 2025 college football season as top-tier national title contenders. So far this year, Arch Manning and company have had a sluggish start.

Manning, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate and likely top choice in the 2026 NFL Draft, has failed to live up to expectations. It’s still early in his tenure as a starting collegiate quarterback, but the results haven’t been as promising as predicted.

Nobody can take too much from his first four games as a starter for Texas. There is no reason to overreact. However, there are growing concerns about him.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season and Manning’s future, his stock has begun to drop as a result of his sluggish start to the season.

According to Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic, Manning has slid significantly in the latest mock draft. In fact, he projects the Longhorns’ quarterback being draughted at No. 28 overall in the first round.

Where does he see Manning landing at No. 28? He expects the Indianapolis Colts to sign the young quarterback. Interestingly, Manning’s uncle, Peyton Manning, is widely regarded as the best player in Colts team history.

“How’s this for a good time?” Manning has not had the start that scouts were hoping for, therefore it begs the question: Is the player we’ve seen in the first month of the season a preview of what Manning will eventually become?” Baumgardner authored. “But he’s only been a starter for a month, under some of the brightest lights you could imagine. His arm talent remains outstanding, and while he may require another season at Texas, he will be on every QB-needy team’s radar until he officially announces his return to Austin in 2026.”

Landing with the Colts would not be the worst thing in the world for Manning. Daniel Jones has revitalised his career this season, and the Colts may want to re-sign him after the season ends. That may give Manning a few years to learn on the sidelines before being forced into game action.

Also, landing with a fan base that genuinely wants him to succeed and already cares deeply about his family could be an excellent environment for the young Manning.

It will be intriguing to see if Manning can maintain his level of play throughout the remainder of the 2025 season for Texas. If he is able to do so, his stock may climb again. On the other side, if Manning is projected to be a late first-round choice, it appears far more likely that he will return to the Longhorns for another season.

2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL, LLC.

This item was originally published on October 2, 2025, at 8:26 AM.

Get unlimited digital access. #ReadLocal.