BREAKING: Arch Manning Shuts Down 2026 NFL Draft Talk, Pledges Return to Texas for 2025 Championship Pursuit

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Arch Manning—the celebrated Texas Longhorns quarterback and one of the most highly touted prospects of his generation—announced on Sunday that he has no intention of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, Manning has committed to returning to Austin for the 2025 college football season, a bold decision that underscores his dedication to the Longhorns’ championship aspirations.

The redshirt freshman’s declaration comes amid rampant speculation that he would bolt for the NFL after the 2025 campaign, especially with a family legacy that includes NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. However, in a statement released through the university, Manning made it crystal clear: his eyes are fixed on unfinished business with the Longhorns.

Manning’s decision is both surprising and momentous. While he dazzled in limited appearances in 2024, including a breakout performance in the Big 12 title game, many believed that he would use the 2025 season as a launchpad to the pros. Instead, Manning has opted to remain a college athlete for at least another year, providing the Longhorns with both stability and star power at the quarterback position.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has worked closely with Manning since his arrival in Austin, praised the quarterback’s maturity and leadership.

Arch isn’t just a phenomenal talent—he’s a competitor and a leader,” Sarkisian said. “His decision speaks volumes about his commitment to the program, and it fires up the entire locker room. We’re not just trying to be good next year—we’re trying to be great. And Arch is at the center of that mission.”

With Manning officially returning, expectations for the Longhorns’ 2025 campaign will skyrocket. Texas is already projected to have a top-five recruiting class, and with Manning anchoring the offense, they will likely enter the season as one of the favorites for the College Football Playoff.

Manning’s return also solidifies Texas’ quarterback room, allowing young prospects to develop behind him while keeping the team’s offensive identity intact. Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood, who helped craft Texas’ high-powered attack, noted that continuity is key.

As the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, Arch Manning has been under the spotlight since high school. Yet his journey has been anything but entitled. After patiently waiting his turn behind Quinn Ewers, Manning showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, ultimately earning the starting job through sheer preparation and performance.

Now, rather than taking the fastest route to the NFL, Manning is choosing a path paved with loyalty and ambition. It’s a statement not just about his character, but also about the changing nature of college football, where even the most promising players sometimes choose to chase titles instead of draft stock.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit tweeted, “Arch Manning coming back to Texas is a massive win for college football. Shows his heart’s in the right place—and the Longhorns just became serious 2025 contenders.”

Texas fans, too, are buzzing with excitement. “This feels like 2005 all over again,” one fan posted on a popular Longhorns message board. “We’ve got our guy, and we’re ready to run it back!”

With a full offseason as QB1 and a roster brimming with talent, Arch Manning’s return will define the Longhorns’ 2025 narrative. Texas has long been searching for its next iconic quarterback to lead them to glory—and now, Manning appears ready to embrace that mantle completely.

Though NFL scouts will continue to watch him closely, Manning’s message is clear: the NFL can wait. A national title, however, cannot.