Arch Manning at a crossroads as Steve Sarkisian, Texas fail to maximize another QB

Options that once seemed unfathomable for Manning’s career when he arrived in Austin must now be on the table

Arch Manning's career is at a crossroads, featuring four potential directions, three of which were unfathomable when he enrolled at Texas as the highest-rated prospect in the Class of 2023. However, Option A remains a distinct possibility for the scion of football's foremost quarterbacking family. Even amid his poor performance for a disappointing Texas team, Manning is still widely regarded as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. He landed at No. 21 on Mike Renner's 2027 NFL Draft Big Board last week. While that placement came before another lackluster performance in a Week 7 loss to Florida, it's no outlier. Other reputable draft analysts have pegged Manning in a similar range this month, even as he's appeared to regress under Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian.

Perhaps it's as simple as that: his regression is attributed to the coach he plays for and the scheme he plays in. While there's no way to fully absolve Manning of blame for the abundance of issues that have clouded his potential, NFL scouts pulling up Manning's increasingly sketchy film still see a big frame, big arm, quality athleticism and a special last name. With some better development, they can imagine better outcomes. Arch Manning throws this one into double coverage and was ALMOST picked off. pic.twitter.com/bzDZ0YqveK If Manning gets back on the