Arch Manning has emerged as the early favorite to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
Just days after this year’s raft of selections were completed in Pittsburgh, attention has already turned to 2027 with teams expected to be queuing up to pick from a list of standout quarterbacks.
But Texas star Manning, 22, has opened as the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the betting odds.
NBC reports that Manning, the nephew of NFL icons Peyton Manning and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, is currently +225 to be taken first.
The faith in Manning comes despite his rollercoaster first season as the Longhorns’ full-time starter that has fans doubting his potential to make it in the NFL.
There was extensive hype surrounding Manning, given his family’s history of success in the NFL. Both Peyton – with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos – and Eli – with the New York Giants – won the Super Bowl.
Arch Manning is the early favorite to be taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft
A young Arch (front) pictured alongside (from left to right) grandfather Archie, uncle Peyton, uncle Eli, and father Cooper at the family’s football camp, the Manning Passing Academy
Texas was the preseason No. 1 but finished ranked No. 12. The Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff and finished 10-3 with a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan that included Manning’s 60-yard, game-sealing touchdown run.
Manning came in for heavy criticism for his early-season performances, with Texas fans even booing him against UTEP. ‘I was playing like garbage,’ he later admitted.
The quarterback improved as the season progressed and he ended passing for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 10 touchdowns.
Describing the season as a roller coaster, Manning said earlier this month: ‘I think I could have had more fun. The first half of the season, I was (ticked),
‘I wasn’t playing well and it wasn’t fun for me. And then I kind of sort of said “screw it” and had a little more fun and started winning some games.’
Manning has also had offseason foot surgery but he said his body is as strong as it’s been since he had what school officials said was a minor procedure in January.
Manning ran through for a touchdown as Texas got the better of Michigan in the Citrus Bowl
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is another contended to be taken first in next year’s draft
‘I feel 100 percent right now. We’re kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today I’d be playing,’ Manning added.
‘Obviously when you’re not out there, you’re kind of antsy. It was hard the first few weeks just not being able to do anything. Now I get to do a little bit more.’
Other contenders for next year’s No. 1 overall pick include Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (+380), Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+750), South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (+1200) and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (+1400).
Aside from quarterbacks, other contenders include Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (+1600), South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart (+2200) and Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons (+2500).
