Texas Longhorns freshman quarterback Arch Manning is steadily making his mark on the team. The September 14th game against the UTSA Roadrunners was more than just a blowout win, with the Longhorns crushing the Roadrunners 56-7. This game will be remembered, especially for the moment when fans held their breath as Quinn Ewers had to leave due to an abdominal injury. Many expected the worst, but Manning stepped in and kept the momentum going. He made sure Longhorns fans didn’t miss their starting QB, showing his potential right away.

This performance has already sparked early discussions about Arch’s NFL draft potential and even Heisman predictions. The buzz around his name in college football is real. On September 22nd, a fan took to X and suggested the idea of the Chicago Bears drafting Manning, saying, “Bears taking Arch Manning, I guess.” While the thought was mostly playful, it quickly set off a wave of funny reactions from fans, who fired shots at Bears GM Ryan Poles, mocking the idea as a joke.

Before diving into the fans’ reactions, let’s talk about what really started the NFL draft chatter. In the matchup against UTSA, Arch completed 9 of 12 passes, racking up 223 yards, four touchdown passes, and even a rushing TD. This momentum carried into his debut as QB1 last week against Louisiana-Monroe, where Manning completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Well, if this doesn’t trigger his NFL draft discussion, then what will? But this early talk didn’t sit well with CFB fans, and they had plenty to say about the idea of Ryan Poles considering such a move.

Fans amused by Arch Manning’s potential draft to Bears

The name “Manning” alone is enough to stir up excitement online, and Arch Manning is no exception. Recently, after a wild prediction that Arch might join the Chicago Bears, fans took quick shots at Bears GM Ryan Poles. One fan joked, “Pull an Eli and say no thank you,” and another added, “Ugh… he might do the Eli if that happens.” This, of course, refers to Arch’s uncle, Eli Manning, who famously refused to play for the Chargers back in 2004, threatening to sit out the season if they drafted him. Eli’s bold move made history, and fans are drawing parallels.

However, it seems like most fans aren’t thrilled about the idea of Arch going to the Bears. One person stoked the conversation, saying, “Nah. They’ll stick with Williams for at least one more year, then boot him for another scrub. Chicago doesn’t get good QBs.” While the Bears do have a rough history with quarterbacks, they surprised many by drafting Heisman-winning QB Caleb Williams this year. Though Williams had a shaky start, he’s beginning to find his footing. Plus, the Bears have a solid backup in Tyson Bagent, so it’s unlikely they’d target Arch Manning anytime soon.

One fan bluntly stated, “Manning family won’t allow it.” With the Bears sitting at a 1-2 start, it’s easy to imagine the Manning family aiming for a stronger team. Arch is a talented player and will undoubtedly shine, but he’ll have to wait until 2026 to declare for the draft. Meanwhile, another fan predicted, “Not if the Titans get him first.” The Tennessee Titans, also struggling this season, might be in a position for the top pick. Still, with Arch not draft-eligible anytime soon, it’s all just speculation.

While we wait till then, why don’t you tune in for the latest episode of Essentially Sports Think Tank?