As Arch Manning prepares to take the baton from Quinn Ewers at the Texas Longhorns, the expectations are already high. Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy heaped praise on Manning and set lofty ambitions for him in the coming season. As many Longhorns fans will tell you this ain’t just another QB stepping into the spotlight—this is Manning bloodline royalty taking over Austin. But even before he takes over as Texas’ No.1 QB, there is already talk of what his NFL future might look like. And if his coach is to be believed, Cowboys fans might want to pay close attention.

Most fans got a glimpse of what Manning is capable of after he posted 939 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns as the backup to Quinn Ewers in 10 appearances with only two starts to his name. Throughout the last season, there was a clamor among a good section of Longhorns fans to see him replace Ewers as the starting QB. While that didn’t come to fruition, Manning is hoping to shine and has clearly stated that his goal for the next season is to win the national championship.

He is slated to be one of the top-performing QBs and has been on early Heisman Trophy contender lists since mid-December. With that, there are already rumors running about his potential NFL landing spot.

On February 5, Arch Manning’s high school coach, Nelson Stewart, hopped onto ‘Rivals’ with Adam Gorney, and that’s when things got interesting. Gorney wasted no time throwing out the big question, referencing Eli Manning’s infamous 2004 draft drama when he flat-out refused to play for the Chargers. “I need an honest answer here,” Gorney pressed. “If Arch had his druthers, which team would he pick if he could go to when he goes to the NFL?”

Firstly, as per Arch’s coach, we may not see an Eli-like situation with the Texas QB1. “I will go out on a limb and say I kind of think he’s one of those guys that would play with who gets him.” 

In 2004, Arch’s uncle Eli was picked by the Chargers as the first overall pick. However, his stay with them barely lasted an hour as Eli made it clear that he wouldn’t play for the Chargers, who had to trade him to the Giants. But according to Arch’s coach, this controversial history won’t be repeated with Arch. But does the Texas QB have a preference?

Stewart tried to dodge at first, but Gorney wasn’t having it. And finally, the tea started spilling while giving big props. “I do think he’s the type of player, with the attention and everything, maybe he’s managed. I think it’s unlike any player in recruitment.  I think maybe it’s fair to say, and at least in recent modern history. So, I do not think that there is a market that may be too big for him if you know what I mean by that.” Stewart said before finally getting to the good part.

“If you bring up the Dallas Cowboys, I don’t think that would be too big. You know see a lot of guys ‘hey the big atmosphere you know maybe too much I would say I don’t think that’s the case.” Being with a program like the Texas Longhorns and coming from the football-rich Manning family, it appears Arch will be unfazed by the bright lights of Dallas or any other program.

He is used to media attention and cameras following his every move from a young age and even though the scrutiny will be amplified once he moves to the NFL or signs with the Cowboys, it won’t be a completely new experience for him. In fact, former NFL QB Cam Newton is already drawing up the prospect of Arch Manning moving to Dallas as part of an elaborate plan.

During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Newton suggested that new Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer is a short term solution with Jerry Jones planning a massive move.

“I think they’re tanking for Arch. Make it make sense. Coach Schottenheimer has one-and-done written all over him,” Newton said. “Ok, why do you want one and done? You get the first pick of the draft. Not only that, I’m going to go back into my godfather bag and say, Ok, Jerry Jones is a businessman, and he’s going to get into his Don Corleone mentality and he’s going to give him a deal he can’t refuse. Who? Nick Saban. Go get Nick Saban as your head coach and Arch Manning as your No. 1 pick.”

For now, Arch Manning has business to handle in Austin. With Ewers departing for the NFL, Arch Manning will be looking to cement himself as a starter and live up to the hype. Texas made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances under Ewers, and if Manning doesn’t at least sniff a national championship, the critics will be waiting. But, for now, there is a lot of belief in Manning’s abilities.

Talking to the reporters on Super Bowl media day on Monday, Xavier Worthy set the bar high for Manning. “Arch is a dog, man,” Worthy said. “I expect nothing less than a Heisman. … He’s gonna get [a national championship], too. To win the Heisman, you’ve got to be in that conversation. Arch knows what I expect of him. I told Arch he was going to win the Heisman when I was there. It’s nothing that he doesn’t expect already.”

Well, if Manning fulfills those expectations, then who knows a move to the Cowboys might be a real possibility. With the pressure on Manning this coming season, his father is looking to keep things real and has a warning for the Texas fans.

Cooper Manning believes Arch needs to struggle to succeed

While the hype machine is already rolling, Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, knows it won’t be a smooth ride. In fact, he believes struggling is exactly what his son needs. “I think having your children struggle with some things is good. I mean yeah, it’s frustrating not to play. Did he love it? No. Was it probably good for him in the long run? Yes,” Cooper said on The Dan Patrick Show.

Cooper knows better than anyone that the road to NFL stardom is brutal—especially when your last name is Manning. “Arch is going to have plenty more of those,” he added, making it clear that his son’s real battles are just beginning. Social media will dissect every throw, every mistake, every misstep. If he plays great? Hype-job. If he struggles? Bust. The scrutiny will be relentless.

But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Mannings thrive under pressure. Arch is stepping into a Texas team with playoff expectations, and if he delivers, his NFL future—whether in Dallas or elsewhere—will be waiting.