ESPN's Jordan Reid released a 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Thursday, predicting how the next draft would go. However, Arch Manning was not featured. The first pick was Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik by the Cleveland Browns. The first Texas player selected was linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. by the Carolina Panthers at No. 11.

Despite being eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft, it is reportedly far from guaranteed that Texas quarterback Arch Manning will do so. Jeff Howe of The Athletic spoke this week with five NFL executives and scouts, and all of them are "leaning in the direction of predicting" that Manning will return to school in 2026.

Cleveland pairs its new franchise quarterback, Arch Manning, with the most electric receiver from the 2026 draft class. Tyson (6-1, 195 pounds) averaged 3.04 yards per route with a 67% contested catch rate (10-of-15) for the Big 12 champs, as QB Sam Leavitt and much of the offense returns intact.