The Texas Longhorns are entering a new era. The Quinn Ewers show is over, and the Arch Manning era has officially begun. Ain’t gonna lie, the hype is real, the pressure is enormous, and the expectations? Oh, they are high as the Austin sky. This ain’t just another QB stepping into the spotlight—this is Manning bloodline royalty taking over Austin. But with the NFL in his future, rumors are already swirling about where Arch might land. And if his coach is to be believed, Cowboys fans might want to pay close attention.
On February 5th, Arch Manning’s high school coach, Nelson Stewart, hopped onto ‘Rivals’ with Adam Gorney, and that’s when things got interesting. Gorney wasted no time throwing out the big question, referencing Eli Manning’s infamous 2004 draft drama when he flat-out refused to play for the Chargers. “I need an honest answer here,” Gorney pressed. “If Arch had his druthers, which team would he pick if he could go to when he goes to the NFL?”
Firstly, as per Arch’s coach, we may not see an Eli-like situation with the Texas QB1. “I will go out on a limb and say I kind of think he’s one of those guys that would play with who gets him.” This could easily be seen as a reference to Arch refusing to go to somewhere like Chargers. Who’d be a Chargers equivalent two years from now? Cleveland Browns? Given how their top picks have fared for the team. However, is there a preference?
Stewart tried to dodge at first, but Gorney wasn’t having it. And finally, the tea started spilling while giving big props. “I do think he’s the type of player, um, with the attention and everything, maybe he’s managed. I think it’s unlike any player in recruitment. Um, I think maybe it’s fair to say, and at least in recent modern history. So, I do not think that there is a market that may be too big for him, if you know what I mean by that.” Stewart said before finally getting to the good part.
“If you bring up the Dallas Cowboys, um, I don’t think that would be too big.” That’s as close to an admission as you’re going to get at this stage. Bottom line? The Cowboys might just be the dream scenario for Arch when the time comes.
For now, Arch Manning has business to handle in Austin. With Ewers departing for the NFL, Arch Manning is now in charge, and the expectations are high. Texas made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances under Ewers, and if Manning doesn’t at least sniff a national championship, the critics will be waiting. His 2024 season saw limited action, but he still put up 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions, along with 4 rushing TDs. Not bad for a backup, but the real test starts now. If he shines in the next year or two, a Cowboys-Manning connection in the draft might just be a real possibility.
Cooper Manning Believes Arch Needs to Struggle to Succeed
While the hype machine is already rolling, Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, knows it won’t be a smooth ride. In fact, he believes struggling is exactly what his son needs. “I think having your children struggle with some things is good. I mean yeah, it’s frustrating not to play. Did he love it? No. Was it probably good for him in the long run? Yes,” Cooper said on The Dan Patrick Show.
Cooper knows better than anyone that the road to NFL stardom is brutal—especially when your last name is Manning. “Arch is going to have plenty more of those,” he added, making it clear that his son’s real battles are just beginning. Social media will dissect every throw, every mistake, every misstep. If he plays great? Hype-job. If he struggles? Bust. The scrutiny will be relentless.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Mannings thrive under pressure. Arch is stepping into a Texas team with playoff expectations, and if he delivers, his NFL future—whether in Dallas or elsewhere—will be waiting.
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