Even Archie Manning can’t avoid the Hot Take Industrial Complex surrounding his high-profile grandson.
Earlier this month, the scion of the football’s royal family told Texas Monthly that Texas Longhorns redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning won’t be entering the 2026 NFL Draft despite rampant speculation that teams could tank in order to win the Manning sweepstakes and select him with the first overall pick, a group of organizations that could include his hometown New Orleans Saints.
“Arch isn’t
going to do that. He’ll be at Texas,” the elder Manning said of the potential for Manning to leave Austin after one season as the starter.
When Manning met with the media on Tuesday for the first time during preseason camp, he pushed back against his grandfather’s declaration.
“I don’t know where he got that from,” Manning said.
The Texas quarterback revealed that his grandfather sent him a text apologizing and emphasized the narrowness of his focus.
“I’m really just taking it day by day right now,” Manning said.
