The 19-year-old Texas Longhorns quarterback, Arch Manning, already has a heavyweight last name, coming with its own set of expectations. And the 2024 season had been a bit harder for him due to his entry and exit off the field. But he had a lot of time to reflect and learn from Steve Sarkisian’s QB1 Quinn Ewers. Now, as Ewers is hitting the NFL road, Manning enters the 2025 season, and he’s aiming to make the most of his QB1 role. Amidst all the college football hype, the NFL radar has fallen upon him. More so than ever. Courtesy? Derek Carr’s injury makes Manning become the most taken name. But what’s the connection between CFB’s Arch Manning and pro league’s Derek Carr?

See, Arch Manning will have to wait for some time until he gets the green light on the eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. But looks like the NFL’s success runs in his blood. Both of Manning’s uncles – Eli and Peyton – were selected as No.1 overall in their respective drafts. It started with his grandpa – Archie, who was drafted No. 2 overall out of Ole Miss.The NFL scouts are already swarming around him. On March 25, Rivals.com posted snaps from Texas’ Pro Day. It showed Manning busy chatting with Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead. With their QB Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his career, the Rams are more hungry to find their next franchise quarterback. But sadly, it’s not going to be an easy snag for the Rams.

That’s because the New Orleans Saints have jumped into the Manning race. After all, Kellen Moore and co. are now facing a big question mark when it comes to their quarterback situation. As per the reports, their incumbent starter, Carr, is likely not to get a fitness approval. He had missed the final four games of the 2024 season with a fractured hand and may not be ready for the start of next season. On that note, draft analyst Thor Nystrom wants to see Manning in the Saints’ jersey. On April 11, he tweeted a step-by-step blueprint for Moore. “Step 1: Rule Carr out for the season Step 2: Announce Spencer Rattler as QB1 Step 3: Earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft  Step 4: Be a major player in free agency next spring by using rolled-over cap relief from Carr missing previous season Step 5: Draft Arch Manning.”

New Orleans is already in a cultural reset mode. Walking into 2025, they will have their debut HC Moore, the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator. However, he is going to face some tough decisions. 24-year-old rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler went 0-6 as a starter in 2024 and is one of the possibilities for the team at quarterback. Meanwhile, the buzz has started to do rounds for the Saints to “tank for Arch.” After all, the Longhorns’ quarterback’s grandfather, Archie, spent 11 seasons (1971 to 1982) as the Saints’ franchise quarterback. Amidst all this hype, the national analyst came with the biggest honor for Arch Manning. 

Arch Manning’s NFL route is already mapped out

First, it was analyst Greg McElroy who could spot NFL-caibre talents in the 19-year-old. He did not sugarcoat anything and came with a bold prediction. “He’s the guy that is best positioned to challenge Patrick Mahomes at the next level.” Drawing from McElroy’s take, USA Today’s Art Stapleton also joined in. On March 15, Stapleton tweeted a vision of 2031: “The year is 2031. Arch Manning has won his second Super Bowl with the Jets, and the Giants and Steelers are still waiting for an answer from Aaron Rodgers.”

An absolute ‘OUCH!’ moment for Aaron Rodgers’ fans. But the sooner they accept the reality, the better. No doubt, Rodgers once has been the titan of the game. But he has lost all the charm. He had a hard time in 2023, suffering from an Achilles heel injury that led to his dismissal in 2024. This had a direct impact on his rankings. He stooped as low as the No.31 ranked QB in the QBR rankings coming off with a 5-12 record. Meanwhile, Manning is on his way to strengthen his resume in college football that would give him an edge in the pro league. The young chap has already tapped into the Heisman race. 

If Arch Manning gets successful, he will become the first Longhorn to win the Heisman since 1998, when running back Ricky Williams won the bronze trophy. Now, are Los Angeles and New Orleans the only suitors for the 19-year-old? Definitely not. As per Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr, the Cleveland Browns are reportedly willing to make a big sacrifice during this year’s draft. Turns out that the Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback. But maybe they have caught some FOMO feels when Arch Manning will be available for the Draft. So much so, that they are ready to skip this year’s draft by swiping the quarterbacks. Still fighting for the starting role, yet already catching NFL eyes? That’s next-level hype.