Manning distanced himself from a comment made by his grandfather, Archie, in a Texas Monthly story that predicted Manning would stay with the Longhorns for the 2026 season. In the story, Archie said he hadn’t discussed the issue with his grandson, but predicted he wouldn’t declare for the NFL draft after the 2025 campaign. 

“He isn’t going to do that,” Archie told the Austin-based magazine. “He’ll be at Texas.” 

Speaking to the local media for the first time since his grandfather’s comments were published, Manning was asked if they were accurate. 

“I don’t know where he got that from,” Manning said. “He texted me to apologize about that I’m really just taking it day by day right now.” 

Manning, set to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback when they open the season Aug. 30 at Ohio State, is the preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. The oddsmakers also considered him the favorite to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft until the markets reacted to Archie’s Texas Monthly interview. 

Manning is a former No. 1 overall recruit and spent the first two years of his college career sitting behind Quinn Ewers. He became more involved as a redshirt freshman in 2024, deputizing for Ewers when he missed time due to injury and making his way onto the field in specialized packages designed to run the ball. 

In total, Manning completed 61 of the 90 passes he attempted for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 108 yards and four more TDs. 

The Manning family has a history of sticking around in college. His Super Bowl-winning uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, both passed up opportunities to jump to the NFL as surefire first-round picks after three collegiate seasons, staying for their senior years at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively. 

“I know Arch really likes Texas,” Peyton said last month, answering a question about how he helps Arch deal with the media spotlight. “He chose Texas because of more than just the football program. He likes the school. He’s got good friends on the team and off the team. His younger brother Heid is there. I had a great experience at Tennessee. That’s why I stayed for my senior year. I really enjoyed the college experience.”

Reach Texas Insider David Eckert via email at david.eckert@statesman.com.