The 2025 college football season is just getting underway, but all eyes are already turning to the next crop of NFL stars as ESPN’s Field Yates released his preseason projections for the 2026 NFL draft. Yates’ initial mock draft, which uses ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) to simulate draft order, is loaded with quarterback intrigue and early trades, previewing what could be an eventful Round 1 on April 23.
Arch Manning headlines the field as No. 1
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning leads the class as Yates’ projected No. 1 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns. Although Manning’s family has indicated he might stay in Austin for at least two seasons, 2026 draft eligibility and his immense talent fuel speculation that he could make the early jump if he lives up to the billing this fall.
“Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling,” Yates wrote, noting Cleveland’s persistent need at quarterback despite recent draft investments.
Arch Manning has addressed the comments made by his grandfather, Archie Manning, regarding his potential entry into the 2026 NFL Draft. Earlier this month, Archie told Texas Monthly that he believed Arch would not declare for the draft and would stay at Texas for at least another season. However, Arch clarified to reporters that he hadn't made any decisions about his future and that he was "not sure where [his grandfather] got that from." Arch said Archie texted him to apologize for the confusion, and emphasized, "I'm really just taking it day by day right now".
Later, he clarified that he felt it was too soon to speculate about the NFL draft for his grandson. Arch Manning has remained non-committal, choosing instead to focus on the upcoming season as Texas's starting quarterback. He mentioned that his grandfather continues to advise him on avoiding unnecessary hits but allows him to make his own career decisions.
Texas will face Ohio State next Saturday in Columbus, marking the first time Arch Manning will officially lead the team as QB1.
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