ESPN scouts divided on Arch Manning's NFL timeline as Texas QB struggles out of gate

Arch Manning's slow start to the 2025 season hasn't derailed his NFL projections, but it has tempered expectations among evaluators. ESPN surveyed 25 NFL scouts and executives, and only one named the Texas signal-caller the top quarterback in the 2026 draft class. A common view in the survey is that Manning will delay his NFL career and return for another college season, with many expecting the jump in 2027 after more seasoning.

Through three games, Manning has completed 55.3 percent of his passes for six touchdowns and three interceptions as he steps into the starting role after waiting behind Quinn Ewers. The uneven early results have been met with boos from fans at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Manning is looking to rebound against Sam Houston State, and the week ahead includes a College GameDay appearance as ESPN weighs in on the young quarterback's trajectory.

ESPN's College GameDay hosts and other analysts weighed in on what has gone wrong for Manning. Nick Saban, who guided a number of great quarterbacks during his time at Alabama, said that going back to the basics will help Manning build confidence. 'Like, his mechanics are a little off; hes a little more side-armed than he was a year ago,' he said. 'You know, his footwork is not always exactly right in terms of his accuracy. I think it affects your confidence a little bit. I think hes relying a little bit too much on running now rather than reading things out.' 'You dont practice to get it right; you practice until you cant get it wrong,' Saban added. 'And thats what youve got to do, so you create the right habits so that you can play with great mechanics and good fundamentals.'

Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit both admitted they were part of the reason for the lofty expectations for Manning that might have caused mental struggles for the young quarterback. 'I feel like I was part of the problem,' McAfee said. 'You know, I was crowning Arch before he even took a snap this year as the starter and before even seeing what this team was and how it was going to go for Arch Manning.' 'This kids been throwing the football his whole life. And all of a sudden, he cant complete a pass in cases where the guys are wide open. Its mechanics, but I think its emotional. Its mental,' Herbstreit added. 'Unrealistic expectations – 'Hes better than Peyton. Hes better than Eli, hes the first pick next year in a draft,' and now this guys got to go out and try to live up to that.'

Manning is looking to rebound against Sam Houston State, and ahead of the Saturday night matchup, Texas fans and national observers will be watching how he handles the stage. College GameDay's crew also weighed in on why the start has been uneven, underscoring the pressure the quarterback faces as he navigates a long-term NFL timeline.