Suffering from success—that’s the only way to describe the whirlwind surrounding Arch Manning right now. Thirteen months away from the 2026 NFL Draft, a quarterback who’s started just two college games already has people in NFL circles whispering about him being the long-term fix for a flailing Ohio-based franchise. It’s the burden of that last name, the shadow of legacy, and a ceiling so high that even mild success becomes a national storyline. Manning’s talent is real—he’s a step or two better than Quinn Ewers, no doubt—but he’s still 10 steps behind the Cam Newtons of the world. Yet even that might be enough to bring a title for Texas Longhorns. So, where’s the catch?
National analyst Andy Staples, speaking on the Andy & Ari On3 show, offered a sharp warning that felt less about football and more about the ecosystem that swirls around it. “Are we ready for that?” he asked. The concern isn’t whether he can play—Andy believes he can—it’s whether the country can handle another media circus around a Manning. “I think people will get fatigued at that real fast if he’s actually good,” he said, pointing to the digital goldmine that is an “Arch” headline. We’ve been conditioned, Ari argued, to brace for disappointment unless a quarterback becomes a mix of Andrew Luck, Johnny Manziel, Cam Newton, and Mac Jones 2020 all in one.
That’s the impossible standard Arch Manning is being measured against—and the same hype machine building him up could become the first to tear him down. “The fact of the matter is, he just has to be a good college quarterback, and he can take Texas a long way,” Andy added. But with every clickbait headline, the expectations rise. He referenced a tongue-in-cheek comment from their producer, River, who said, “Texas Arch Mania will reach levels of Johnny Football if he plays well.” The truth is, that fever pitch is already here. And if Arch delivers so much as a playoff run, it might tilt the scales of college football media forever.
Aug 31, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) kneels the ball against the Colorado State Rams during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY Sports
And yet, while the media landscape is booking Arch Manning for Radio Row in Vegas next spring, Adam Schefter is telling everyone to take a breath. On ESPN’s Get Up, the veteran NFL insider tapped the brakes on the Arch-to-NFL chatter. “First of all, there’s no guarantees that Arch Manning’s coming out after next year,” Schefter said, pointing out the obvious yet easily overlooked detail. Arch still controls his own timeline. Even with NIL money and draft hype bubbling, there’s a world where he returns to Austin in 2026.
Of course, there’s no escaping the pressure. Arch carries a name that echoes in NFL locker rooms and SEC tailgates alike. Two starts, limited reps, and still more questions than answers. The gap between being “better than Ewers” and “the next generational QB” is massive—and Manning is navigating that tightrope while the world watches.
Arch Manning’s biggest obstacle isn’t a defensive front or a complex coverage shell—it’s the weight of perception. He’s not allowed to be developmental. Every throw, every read, every step onto the field feels like it’s being archived for a future 30-for-30. Meanwhile, Arch Manning is having some development on his pro league front.
Cleveland Browns might be playing the long game
If the Cleveland Browns skip on taking a QB in the 2025 NFL Draft, don’t be surprised—they might have their eyes on a much shinier prize in 2026. Instead of reaching for a signal-caller in what many are calling a weak quarterback class, Cleveland could load up on offensive weapons now and make a real splash next year. And if they’re going all-in on the long game, the name at the top of their wish list might just be Arch Manning.
According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, who spoke with several NFL execs, the QB market this year isn’t exactly inspiring. One executive didn’t hold back: “It’s such a weak quarterback draft and free agency class at the position. Is there a temptation to s–k for Arch Manning?” That’s a loaded question—but not a wild one.
In the meantime, the Browns are expected to add a veteran like Kirk Cousins or bring back Joe Flacco to bridge the gap. Still, banking on Arch is a risky business. He’s not even a guaranteed declare for 2026, and there’s a whole season of football (and variables) to go. But hey, fortune favors the bold… or in this case, maybe the patient.
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