NFL scouts give astonishing advice to Arch Manning as Texas gets an unexpected boost for the 2026 season

Arch Manning has been in the limelight for the No. 3 Texas Longhorns this season, even as a backup to Quinn Ewers. The quarterback is expected to get the starting role at Texas next year, and it appears that Manning's stint with the Longhorns could be extended even further before transitioning to the NFL.

On Wednesday, reports emerged that scouts and agents had advised Manning to stay in college school until he has at least two years as a starter. This is because teams in the NFL reportedly prefer quarterbacks to be more polished upon entering the league, rather than relying on extensive development.

Manning will be eligible for the 2026 NFL draft and he is already considered among the top prospects. However, if he heeds the scouts' advice, he might stay at Texas for another year and decide to go pro in 2027.

Arch Manning has filled in admirably for Quinn Ewers at Texas this season

NCAA Football: Texas QB Arch Manning - Source: Imagn

Texas' QB1 Quinn Ewers had missed two games earlier this season due to an abdominal injury, but the Longhorns barely felt his absence due to Arch Manning's performance.

Manning got his first career start against ULM on Sept. 21 and he made a strong first impression. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards and threw two touchdowns to lead Texas to a 51-3 victory.

Manning also started against Mississippi State on Sept. 28. He posted 325 yards on 26 passes and threw two touchdowns. He also rushed for one score as Texas recorded a convincing 35-13 victory.

This season, Manning has 58 of 84 passes for 920 yards and thrown nine touchdowns, with two interceptions. The signal-caller has also rushed for 81 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns.

Manning is 2-0 as a starter and has proved to be a solid backup for Ewers. He is in line to lead Texas' offense next season as Ewers will likely declare for the 2025 NFL draft.

It will also be interesting to see if Manning remains in that role through the 2026 season, but there's still time before he makes that decision.