It seems like Arch Manning is all that anybody can talk about now that their attentions have turned to the 2027 NFL Draft, which is great, but he isn't the only Texas Longhorns star who is expected to cement himself as a first-round pick this season.
In FanDuel's most recent mock draft, Manning, who is expected almost unanimously to go first overall in next year's draft, was joined by fellow Texas star Colin Simmons.
Simmons, a monster of a linebacker for the Horns, was listed fifth in FanDuel's Mock Draft, going to the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Manning was still listed as the first player off the board, it would be massive for Texas to have two players hear their names called in the top five, especially after not having any picks until Anthony Hill Jr. was selected in the second round, going 60th overall in this year's draft.
Colin Simmons projected as early 1st round pick
Of course, Simmons played alongside Hill over the last two seasons, and the two dominated off the defensive line.
During his sophomore season, Simmons amassed 43 total tackles (23 solo), 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections, while missing Texas's game against the UTEP Miners due to an unspecified injury.
FanDuel's Mock Draft has Simmons as the highest drafted defensive player, only following Manning, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
2027 mock draft has Arch Manning going to Miami 😳
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) April 27, 2026
h/t @tankathon pic.twitter.com/8PhnRqcECa
According to FanDuel's opening odds for which player will go first overall, Simmons actually has +2000 odds to hear his name called before anybody else's, tying him for eighth in the rankings. Of course, Manning has the best likelihood with +160 odds.
At the end of the day, the 2026 seasons for both the NFL and NCAA are still months away from kicking off, and how the season unfolds could entirely shake up these projects. However, it is extremely promising to see two Longhorns in the top five.
Add us as a preferred source on Google