Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning will be thrilled if this way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft proves prophetic
If you thought it was too early to start looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft, then you don't know how the A to Z Sports team works. Our expert evaluators had an eye on the 2026 class while studying for the 2025 draft, and Travis May has built out an insane three-round 2026 mock draft. […]
If you thought it was too early to start looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft, then you don't know how the A to Z Sports team works. Our expert evaluators had an eye on the 2026 class while studying for the 2025 draft, and Travis May has built out an insane three-round 2026 mock draft.
The Texas Longhorns are well-represented. Not only does Texas boast six picks in the first three frames, but their three first-rounders are among the most impressive players in the nation.
If the 2026 draft shakes out this way, there's a good chance Texas has won the National Championship. Let's take a look at each of the six picks and give Travis' reasoning.
Texas Longhorns 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
First off, Arch Manning even being here is a long shot considering he is almost assuredly not entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The Manning family has made it quite clear they are in no rush to get Arch to the pros and would much prefer to get him extensive experience before heading to the NFL. There's a real chance he enters the 2027 NFL Draft, and perhaps even waits until 2028.
However, if the stars align perfectly, Texas wins a national championship, and Arch Manning looks like a ready-made first overall pick, he might just declare. And if the Saints are sitting there with the first overall pick, giving Arch a chance to go play for the same team his grandfather was quarterback of for 10+ years? This would be too perfect a situation to pass up. He just has to put together an absolutely immaculate 2025 season first.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
This would be the most fun fit in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Micah Parsons has already said he would like to play with Anthony Hill Jr. one day. The Cowboys could use a foundational off-ball linebacker with range and consistent downhill play in the run game. Hill won True Freshman All-American honors in 2023, took a step forward this past season, and will likely be a huge part of the Texas Longhorns' run back to the College Football Playoff this year. The Cowboys keep a Texas star home.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Malik Muhammad is on pace to be one of the most experienced third-year (early declare) prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Through two seasons with Texas, he's already logged nearly 1,400 snaps because he was too good to keep off the field from day one. Muhammad got a bit aggressive last season, giving up a couple of explosive plays, but he only allowed a 50% completion rate when targeted and defended double-digit passes. The Bengals don't have to go corner next year, but Muhammad would almost certainly be an upgrade if he improves at all this fall.
