“I don’t want to be a guy that just comes and goes. I want to be somebody who’s remembered,” Quinn Ewers had said talking about his future NFL career. However, is his big league dream already facing a setback before it could even begin? Well, if you look at the latest updates, that’s basically what’s happening to the Texas Longhorns QB right now, and it’s brutal. The 2025 NFL Draft is creeping up, and Ewers was supposed to be a hot commodity. But what he and his fellow quarterbacks will be met with is a supposed snub…

Ewers had Texas humming, made back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals, and put up numbers. But right when it’s time for him to shine, guess who’s supposedly soaking up all the attention? Reportedly none other than Arch Manning. And the crazy part? Quinn Ewers’ and other QB’s (who’ve declared for the upcoming NFL Draft) career move is low-key getting sabotaged by a quarterback who’s not yet in the draft.

As per FOX Sports’ NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang, in a hypothetical mock-up with college football stars, the 19-year-old will supposedly go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, followed by Ohio State superstar freshman WR Jeremiah Smith going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 overall.

“In this all-available scenario, any franchise lacking a long-term lock at quarterback would be canvassing the country for the top prospect. While the sample size is undeniably tiny, Manning has already demonstrated the requisite size, arm strength, accuracy and athleticism to project as a future NFL star, like his famous uncles and grandfather,” Rang had mentioned.

Now adding more insult to injury, word on the street, according to “NFL Rookie Watch,” is that teams are already planning to “tank for Arch” in the 2026 draft. Yeah, that’s right—NFL franchises are ready to fumble an entire season just to get their hands on the next Manning. Scouts are gassing him up so hard that some are even saying he could be the QB1 in next year’s draft class as a sophomore. Several NFL scouts believe Arch would even have a chance at being QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft as a sophomore.

In an Instagram post shared on January 1, NFL Rookie Watch wrote, “Arch Manning is reportedly going to be the “cause” of a lot of teams passing on a QB in this year’s draft.”

“There is reportedly a buzz around NFL scout’s that a “tank for Arch” could become a real thing.”

“Several NFL scouts believe Arch would even have a chance at being “QB1” in the 2025 NFL Draft as a sophomore. Many teams reportedly “want to wait” for next year’s draft class for their franchise QB.”

“The hype is for REAL for the next Manning 😳,” the captioned concluded without naming anyone.

And unfortunately for Quinn Ewers, he might be the biggest casualty of this madness despite his performances as per many. In 36 starts with Texas, he went 27-9, completing 69% of his passes for 3,479 yards and 22 TDs in 2023. Last season? Even better—3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and a solid 65.8% completion rate. Yet, despite his resume, his draft stock ain’t looking rock solid because of a lack of mobility in the pocket and being injury-prone. What’s more?

Even mock drafts, like the one from The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, have Ewers going No. 50 overall to the Seahawks in the 2nd round. That’s wild for a QB who led Texas to the CFP. But Seattle is already scouting for a post-Geno Smith era, and if they don’t pull the trigger on Ewers, it could be a long draft night for him.

While most draft experts see Ewers as a mid-to-late second-round pick, some scouts question his accuracy and arm strength. The latest NFC West tea suggests teams might be low-key looking ahead (2026 QB class) rather than making moves now. Translation? Teams are hesitant, and Ewers might have to fight off some serious doubt to secure his spot.

The real issue? The 2025 QB draft class is low-key weak compared to 2024 and 2026. That’s what’s really messing up Ewers’ situation.

The 2026 NFL QB class, and where does Arch Manning rank in the 2025 NFL draft?

Look, Arch Manning isn’t just nepo hype—he’s got the goods. He’s the golden boy of football royalty, the nephew of Peyton and Eli, and the grandson of Archie Manning. The Texas QB Arch ain’t played much yet, but when he did, he cooked: 63 of 95 passes for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two picks. Solid numbers for limited action, but first overall pick buzz already? Might be low-key premature.

“It was notably Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker—and not head coach Brian Callahan or new general manager Mike Borgonzi—who told reporters this week that the club will not pass up a ‘generational talent’ to force a quarterback at No. 1,” Rob Ranghad noted. “While the sample size is undeniably tiny, Manning has already demonstrated the requisite size, arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism to project as a future NFL star, like his famous uncles and grandfather.”

Let’s be real, the 2025 class ain’t got the juice like last year or next year. Scouts are already eyeing the 2026 NFL QB class as potentially legendary. We’re talking: Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, Nico Iamaleava, Carson… and the list goes on and on. When NFL scouts see a loaded class on the horizon, they get hesitant about grabbing a QB this year, which could leave guys like Ewers in limbo.

Did Arch Manning mean to mess up Quinn Ewers’ draft stock? Nah. But his name, legacy, and potential impact on the 2026 class are absolutely shaking up the league already. If teams are genuinely thinking about “tanking for Arch”, then yes—Ewers is unintentionally getting the short end of the stick. So now, the question ain’t just where Ewers will land—it’s how much damage has already been done. What do you think?