New Packers WR Matthew Golden Sends Clear Message on Arch Manning as Cooper Manning’s Sly Agenda Revealed

Let’s just say the expectations for Arch Manning are out of bounds. Even before playing a snap in 2025, he’s already in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Come on, the 20-year-old started just two games last season, mainly staying behind Quinn Ewers. And now even NFL talks are entering the picture! “These expectations for him are crazy. They’re beyond—they’re ridiculous,” his dad, Cooper Manning, fired. But we can’t help but feel that Texas is in good hands even after their starters’ departure. 

Former Longhorns WR Matthew Golden, the newest Green Bay Packers’ first-round wideout in 23 years, put it all on the table. Fresh off getting picked at No. 23 overall, he hopped on with Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman on On3 on April 26 to discuss Arch Manning. “That’s a true dog man. I’m excited to see what he going to do this year. The ball is in his court and he going to take over,” he said. “He’s a leader on and off the field. He’s the same guy everyday. The sky is the limit for him. I mean he could do whatever he wants to do if he puts his mind to it. So I’m really excited for him.” No questions there. The message is loud and clear—Golden believes in this kid. 

And he should. Arch Manning may have only two starts under his belt, but the moment never seemed too big for him. Matthew Golden was there when Manning was a freshman with a famous last name and the hype following him around. “I heard about him you know,” Golden admitted. “But once I got up there, me and Arch, we talked a lot. I started to watch him at practice and I knew he was special. He don’t act like a regular freshman. You know act like he been in college for three years, and for me, that’s somebody you can put your trust in definitely and build behind.” 

That’s the thing with Arch Manning. He’s got the calm, seasoned presence that you just can’t fake. Last season, he finished with 939 yards and nine TDs against two picks across 12 games. He also rushed for 108 yards and added four TDs. Not eye-popping stats, but solid for a guy thrown into the fire when Ewers got hurt. And it looks like he’s throwing in some extra work into his physique. His physical appearance while speaking to Rams GM Les Snead is stirring talk. More muscular, leaner, and more athletic at 222 pounds than he was at 225. Everything about him screams ready, but here’s where it gets more interesting.

Cooper Manning weighs in on Arch Manning’s future 

Yeah, Arch Manning is the clear-cut starter in Austin in 2025. But beyond that? The 2026 NFL draft? Hopefully, you’re not among the ones rushing him in your head as someone who already sees him as a potential No. 1 pick this time around next year. ESPN’s Matt Miller said, on the College GameDay podcast, “I keep telling people he’s a 2027 guy. So let’s cool our heads a little bit on the Arch talk.” Why? Because the Mannings aren’t like everyone else. They’re old school, and they take their sweet time. 

Peyton Manning stayed at Tennessee for four years. Eli Manning, five years at Ole Miss. You see, there’s no need to rush greatness. But it’s Arch’s dad who said it best—“I think there’s just as much of a chance for Arch Manning to be the number one pick in the 2026 NFL draft as there is for him to come back to Texas and play football in 2026. He loves being at Texas. His younger brother, Hyde, is there. He’s unconventional.” Honestly, that’s refreshing. 

True, Arch Manning could be a top pick in the NFL. But he could stick around with Steve Sarkisian to win a natty and rewrite Texas’ legacy. Either way, don’t expect this kid to take shortcuts. The Mannings never do.