Arch Manning follows in the footsteps of his uncle in the 2026 NFL mock draft.

In a significant development for the Texas Longhorns and the Manning football lineage, Arch Manning is projected as a top contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite limited college experience, his potential and athleticism have placed him at the forefront of early draft projections. This article delves into Manning’s journey, his current standing in the draft landscape, and the potential teams that might select him in 2026.(Reuters)

Archibald Charles Manning, born on April 27, 2004, is the eldest son of Cooper Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, the patriarch of the renowned Manning football family. He is also the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, Arch possesses the ideal physical attributes for an NFL quarterback. He began his collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he redshirted his freshman year in 2023. In 2024, Manning saw limited action, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities, including a notable 67-yard touchdown run against UTSA. His performance in these appearances has fueled optimism about his future prospects. (Wikipedia, PFSN)

According to Reuters, Arch Manning has opened as the No. 1 favorite to be selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by DraftKings. This projection comes despite Manning having fewer than 100 pass attempts at the collegiate level. His potential, athleticism, and performance in limited appearances have placed him atop the draft projections. Other top quarterback prospects include Penn State’s Drew Allar, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. (Reuters)

However, some analysts suggest that Manning may not be the consensus QB1. Yardbarker notes that while Manning follows in his family’s footsteps, he isn’t the top quarterback in early draft predictions. The article suggests that other quarterbacks, such as Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik, might be considered ahead of Manning in some projections. (Yardbarker, Reuters)

Several NFL teams are projected to be in contention for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially selecting Manning. AtoZ Sports outlines five teams that could be in the running:(AtoZ Sports)

• Denver Broncos: With $32 million in dead money for the 2025 NFL season due to their unsuccessful bet on QB Russell Wilson, the Broncos are a prime candidate to be picking very early in the 2026 NFL Draft. The last time they bet on a Manning, a Super Bowl was won. Could Arch lead them to glory again? (Yardbarker, AtoZ Sports)
• New Orleans Saints: From Archie to Arch: Could the Saints end up with the grandson of the man that led the franchise for a decade? It’s not crazy to think about. The Saints are projected to be $74 million over the cap for 2024 and while they can maneuver it like they’ve done countless times before, they don’t have a plan at quarterback for the future. Dennis Allen could be coaching for his job next season. The Saints could very well be in the discussion for picking Manning in 2026. (AtoZ Sports)
• Carolina Panthers: This is not a knock on Bryce Young but the Panthers are just bad. They made some aggressive moves in 2024 bringing in multiple starters for the offensive line and adding WR Diontae Johnson but none of it is guaranteed to work out. More importantly, they bet on former Buccaneers OC Dave Canales to be their head coach. If it doesn’t work out over the next couple of seasons, the Panthers will seriously consider hitting the reset button. With the way things are going for David Tepper’s franchise, this would be the one spot that could have Arch thinking of pulling an Eli. (AtoZ Sports, Yardbarker)
• Arizona Cardinals: This is a tricky one. The Cardinals have shown faith in QB Kyler Murray by moving from the No. 3 overall pick last year and ahead of the 2024 Draft, they’re likely going to pass on a quarterback at fourth, as well. But 2026 is the first year the Cardinals could benefit from cap savings by moving on from Murray. With his 2027 salary becoming guaranteed in March of 2026, it’ll be decision time in Arizona. If they’re in a good spot in the NFL Draft then, Manning could be in the mix. (AtoZ Sports, Yardbarker)
• New York Giants: The Giants are not sold on Daniel Jones. They were one of two teams that talked to Russell Wilson in free agency and they brought in Drew Lock for a guaranteed $5 million. Seahawks GM claimed the Giants convinced Lock he’d have a chance to compete with Jones to be the starter. With the sixth overall pick of 2024, they might be just out of reach to nab one of the top QBs in this year’s class. (AtoZ Sports)

Arch Manning’s marketability extends beyond his on-field performance. According to Pro Football Network, Manning’s NIL valuation has surged to $6.6 million following a deal with Red Bull. This endorsement, along with a previous partnership with Panini, underscores his appeal to both fans and brands alike. His ability to balance his public persona with a focus on football has contributed to his growing stature in the sports world.