The questions surrounding the Indianapolis Colts and their quarterback position have been a constant theme throughout the summer. While the team believes in new starter Daniel Jones and bullishly defends Anthony Richardson Sr. after botching his development, one thing is for certain: the franchise has no clear direction for the future.
Jones is on just a one-year deal. The team has an impending decision to make on Richardson, too, as he’s entering the third season of a four-year contract with a fifth-year option. As of right now, there’s no way to know for sure who the opening day starter will be in 2026.
As a result, the Colts have been identified as a quarterback destination in recent mock drafts. Several analysts have made a connection between Indianapolis and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, but there’s another prospect who would make way too much sense.
The Sporting News’ Anthony Liccardi put together a mock draft based off of overreactions from the opening weekend of the college football season, and has Texas’ Arch Manning landing with the Colts at No. 6 overall.
After an ugly 14-7 loss to Ohio State in which Manning really struggled, he slides down the draft board and becomes the fourth quarterback taken in this scenario.
“Simply put, Manning had an ugly season opener,” Liccardi wrote. “The odds were stacked against him as he made his first start on the road, facing an elite Ohio State roster and an NFL-level defensive playcaller in Matt Patricia.
“It was easily the most uncomfortable Manning had ever looked. He was late on throws he shouldn't have missed, and his mechanics fell apart. The accuracy wasn't as advertised, either. Frankly, there is work to be done to reset his stock and deserve the praise many (including yours truly) gave him this summer. Yet, there's no reason for him to declare if he isn't going early, so it's hard to push him down too far.”
Now, Manning doesn’t have to declare for the draft after this season, as he still has two more years of collegiate eligibility after 2025. But, if the feedback from the league is good, he may leave school early.
In terms of the personal fit itself, it’s hard to come up with a more perfect landing spot for Manning, as his uncle Peyton played 14 seasons for the Colts, leading them to their second Super Bowl. By default, this selection would be one that, regardless of the play on the field, the Indianapolis fanbase would absolutely adore.
For a fanbase which recently polled as the most pessimistic in the NFL, they could sure use something to get excited about.