Manning’s Rise Among 2026 Quarterback Rankings
Fox analyst Joel Klatt has positioned Arch Manning as the second‑best quarterback prospect for the 2026 season, citing a strong finish to the previous campaign and a skill set that blends arm talent with unexpected mobility.
According to Klatt, Manning’s second‑half surge translated into more than 400 additional rushing yards compared with Julian Sayin, underscoring a dual‑threat profile that could reshape offensive schematics.
The analyst also pointed to the arrival of wide receiver Cam Coleman and other playmakers, arguing that the Longhorns’ offense is poised for a noticeable upgrade heading into the next cycle.
While Dante Moore remains the top Heisman contender on Bet MGM’s odds board, Manning’s combination of accuracy and mobility has kept him tied with CJ Carr at the summit of national draft discussions.
Implications for the Longhorns
The conversation extends beyond individual rankings, with Klatt emphasizing that the broader Texas roster, featuring prospects such as Jeremiah Smith, Raleek Brown, Hollywood Smothers and Melvin Siani, could further accelerate the quarterback’s development. If the projected improvements materialize, Texas could emerge as a formidable contender in the SEC, potentially influencing both college playoff narratives and early‑round projections for the 2027 NFL Draft.