Archie Manning clears the air on viral rumor linking Arch Manning to Dallas Cowboys

Arch Manning has been in the spotlight this week after his grandfather, Archie, answered a fan's question on Friday about where he would like to see the Texas quarterback play in the NFL. While Archie said that he would prefer his grandson join the Dallas Cowboys, the legend has backpedaled on his wish.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated on Wednesday, Archie cleared the air about his comments on Arch's future, which went viral on social media.

“That is something that kind of got out of hand. I was just at a sports bar in New Orleans and I was just trying to be nice to a patron," Archie said. "I told him I hoped Arch would play three years of college football, and he said 'And then maybe to the Cowboys?' I said 'That'd be fine with me.' I didn't know he was going to put that on TikTok or whatever, I don't know what TikTok is. I didn't know it was going viral, as they say."

Arch has done a solid job as the backup QB to Quinn Ewers at Texas this season. He has recorded 939 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions and four rushing TDs.

Arch stepped up when Ewers was injured in October and led Texas to two wins in his two starts. His running game has also caught the eye of many and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian could use him more often in the College Football Playoff.

The Cowboys might keep tabs on drafting a top QB if Dak Prescott fails to deliver in the coming years. Prescott signed a four-year $240 million contract extension in September.

Arch Manning urged to play at Texas for two years as a starter before joining the NFL

Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning - Source: Getty

Although Arch Manning will be eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft, several agents and scouts have reportedly advised the Texas QB to remain in college for two years as a starter before going pro.

This is mainly because NFL teams want the product ripe for picking at the draft. Reports suggest teams in the big league do not want to spend time developing a QB, which could lead to Manning remaining at Texas for an extra year before declaring for the 2027 draft.