The Texas Longhorns had a lot of players drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. There is no doubt that it is never too early to talk about the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas will have a lot of talent potentially going into the NFL after the 2025 college football season. One name that could potentially enter his name in the 2026 NFL Draft is Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Manning could be one of several talented quarterbacks who declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
CBS Sports Projects Texas Longhorns As Top Selection In 2026 NFL Draft To the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough from the Louisville Cardinals in the 2025 NFL Draft in the second-round. However, there is a chance that Shough plays a lot in 2025 with the unknown to quarterback Derek Carr and his injury. Spencer Rattler is the other quarterback to watch for on the roster.
However, CBS sports thinks that the Saints could finish with the worst record in 2025. CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards created his way too early mock draft for 2026 and has New Orleans selecting Manning with the number one overall pick. Edwards said,
“Arch Manning has attempted 95 passes since arriving in Austin as an early enrollee two years ago, but that is a reflection of the team’s investment in former No. 1 overall recruit Quinn Ewers. Honestly, he likely would return in 2026.
Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, saw extended action in victories over Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last season. The idea of Arch Manning at No. 1 overall is a steep projection, but the pedigree is there.
The other interesting storyline to this selection is that Arch Manning will begin his career where his grandfather, Archie Manning, began and spent 12 of his professional seasons. In fact, the franchise has not used a first-round pick on the position since Archie Manning in 1971.
But wait, there’s more. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is expected to be another top quarterback prospect in this draft. “
There is a better chance that the Saints maybe drafting Garrett Nussmeier number one overall in 2026 than Manning. Nussmeier will be scouted often by New Orleans during the 2025 college football season and that doesn’t mean that Manning won’t be scouted often by the Saints.
The Longhorns and Manning will be the favorites to win the SEC Conference in 2025. As for Nussmeier, the Tigers are looking to make the college football playoffs after missing the postseason in 2024. The debate for now in 2026 is whether Manning or Nussmeier will be the top pick for New Orleans because he is in the Saints backyard pretty much.
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