‘I think they’re going to have to run him out of there’ – Arch Manning’s dad Cooper just dropped a very interesting quote

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning could be the top selection in the 2027 NFL Draft

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning had a tremendous first season as a starting quarterback in the SEC.

Arch, who made two starts for the Longhorns as a redshirt freshman in 2024, passed for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns.

If Arch had declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, he probably would’ve been a first-round pick based on potential alone.

Arch, however, never even discussed declaring for the NFL Draft.

Cooper Manning says Arch Manning never discussed declaring for the NFL Draft

Not only did Arch never really consider declaring for the draft, it sounds like it’s not a certainty that he’ll declare for the 2027 NFL Draft after his redshirt junior season.

Arch’s dad, Cooper, spoke to VideoGamer.com this week and commented on Arch’s “decision” to stay at Texas for the 2026 season.

Cooper suggested that the Longhorns are going to have to run Arch “out of there” because he’s enjoying his time at Texas so much.

“We never even discussed it,” said Cooper. “I honestly never even talked about it. If you’re lucky enough to play college football, why in the heck would you want to do something else? I think they’re going to have to run him out of there. He loves his teammates, he loves his coaches. He loves playing at DKR, being in Austin, Texas. I think he’ll be sad when those days are over. Enjoy it, soak it up and cherish every moment you get to play college football. What a lucky guy.”

There’s obviously a long way to go before Arch makes a decision on his plans for 2027. A lot can change between now and then. But Cooper’s comments are worth paying attention to. I don’t think it would be a shock if Arch stayed at Texas for his final season of eligibility in 2027. After all, his uncle, Eli, was at Ole Miss for five seasons before getting selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. And his other uncle, Peyton, passed up a chance to be the No. 1 pick in the 1997 NFL Draft to return to Tennessee for his final season of eligibility.

Arch’s focus right now is on 2026 and trying to help Texas get back to the College Football Playoff. Eventually, though, he’ll have a decision to make. And I think a return to Texas in 2027 will legitimately be on the table for the New Orleans native.

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