Arch Manning featured in the latest USA TODAY Sports 2026 NFL Draft watchlist

Arch Manning Headlines Early 2026 NFL Draft Watchlist by USA TODAY Sports

The 2025 NFL Draft has only just concluded, but attention is already shifting toward the future—and more specifically, to what many expect will be a much stronger quarterback class in 2026. Leading the charge in these early evaluations is none other than Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns quarterback and heir to one of football’s most storied families. Patrick Conn of USA TODAY Sports recently unveiled his preliminary watchlist of quarterbacks to monitor for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Manning tops the list as the most intriguing name heading into the new college football season.

While the 2025 quarterback class left scouts underwhelmed, the 2026 group is already generating buzz, with scouts and analysts pointing to higher ceilings, better depth, and more long-term upside. Manning, who is expected to take over the starting role full-time at Texas this fall, has played in only a limited number of games so far—just two starts—but the flashes he’s shown have been more than enough to fuel major expectations.

Despite the small sample size, Manning’s natural arm talent, mobility, and poise in the pocket have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks. Add in his elite football IQ, competitive mindset, and the weight of the Manning legacy, and it’s no surprise he’s the early favorite to be the first quarterback off the board in 2026. NFL teams, scouts, and fans alike will be watching closely as he steps into the spotlight this fall in Austin.

Joining Manning on Conn’s list of quarterbacks to watch are several other promising talents:

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Drew Allar, Penn State

Carson Beck, Miami

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Each of these players enters the 2025 college football season with something to prove. Some are already penciled in as starters, while others will battle to secure their role. But all are viewed as potential risers in the 2026 draft cycle. And while it’s still early—some underclassmen, including Manning, may choose to return to school beyond next year—they remain firmly on the NFL radar until official decisions are made after the season.

What sets Manning apart, aside from his last name, is his commitment to development. He hasn’t rushed his rise; instead, he’s taken a patient approach to his college career, waiting for the right moment to lead the Longhorns’ offense. As he recently stated, “I want to be the quarterback at the University of Texas. Sometimes it’s worth the wait.” That mindset, combined with his physical gifts and deep football lineage, makes him one of the most compelling storylines heading into the 2025 season.

In a draft cycle already projected to be stacked with quarterback talent, Arch Manning will be at the center of attention. Whether he lives up to the hype remains to be seen—but for now, he’s the quarterback everyone will be watching as the road to the 2026 NFL Draft begins.