Since the moment he first threw a football, the expectations for Arch Manning have been astronomical. Then, when he committed to play for the Texas Longhorns, those expectations became even loftier.
Last year, the hype around Manning and the Horns was deafening. It was a roar that Texas couldn't handle, and the team as a whole fell short.
Now, once again, Manning is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft with his second season as the Horns' starting quarterback just over the horizon.
However, long-time college football analyst and former first-round pick David Pollack doesn't necessarily think Manning will be the best quarterback this season, leaving him just short of the No. 1 spot in his latest QB ranking.
David Pollack's quarterback ranking doesn't align with NFL Draft boards
Unlike almost every mock NFL Draft out there, Manning didn't claim the No. 1 overall quarterback spot in Pollack's ranking. Instead, it was Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss, who is widely considered as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC.
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss Rebels
- Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
- Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
- Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Manning landed at No. 2, not a bad spot for a second-year starter and quite easily exactly where the Horns' quarterback needs to be.
Last season, the noise around Manning was too loud, and while he undeniably improved throughout the 2025 season, growing into the quarterback that everyone expected, the pressure of being the next great thing in college football was too much.
"Numero dos: Arch Manning. Unbelievable arm talent, laser-quick release," Pollack said of Manning's game. "We've seen the dual threat. Now, we're gonna see Arch Manning with less pressure than a year ago. This is his best support cast that he's had and it ain't close."
Being the second-best on any ranking is just a chance for Manning to gain a little breathing room as he continues to build his confidence ahead of the 2026 season.
My Top 5 Quarterbacks In College Football This Season@NDFootball @CanesFootball @oregonfootball @OhioStateFB @TexasFootball @OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/Cp7PfcqWd4
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) July 23, 2026
Chambliss and Manning were followed by Ohio State's Julian Sayin, who will face the Longhorns once again this season, Oregon's Dante Moore, and Notre Dame's CJ Carr. Of course, Manning and the Horns will also host Chambliss and the Rebels during SEC play, another opportunity for the Texas QB to prove his worth compared to his peers.
While Texas won't see the Ducks or the Fighting Irish during the regular season, any or all of the three teams could easily find themselves facing off during the College Football Playoff.
Read more: New NFL Mock Draft has Arch Manning joined by Texas star in the Top 5
Manning would have another year of eligibility after this season, if he chose to stay on the 40 Acres, but most are awaiting his departure to the NFL and his likely spot as the No. 1 overall pick.
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