Arch Manning to Return to Texas for the 2026 Season, Forego NFL Draft
Arch Manning will return to play for Texas in the 2026 college football season and will not enter the NFL Draft as previously speculated.
Cooper Manning confirmed the decision in a text to ESPN, stating that Arch is committed to playing at Texas next year. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed that Manning would benefit from at least one more college season, noting he has unfinished business on his path toward a potential NFL career.
In the 2025 season, Arch Manning posted notable statistics, including 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, 244 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns. Texas started that season ranked No. 1 but faced losses against Ohio State by seven points, Florida by eight points, and Georgia, before securing an upset win over Texas A&M.
Earlier speculation on Manning's draft status had been fueled by his grandfather, Archie Manning, who suggested in August that Arch might declare for the draft after his redshirt sophomore season. However, at the time of this report, Arch Manning had not publicly announced his decision and was preparing to play against Michigan on December 31.
