Why Mel Kiper Jr. thinks Arch Manning should return to Texas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. made one thing very clear about Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning: he needs to stay in Austin another year.
Heading into the 2026 season, optimism and expectations surrounded Manning, with many believing he would perform well and contend for the Heisman. He has yet to deliver.
“All I’ll say is, right now, you’ve got to go back to college for another year,” Kiper said Monday on First Draft.
Kiper Jr. also alluded to the Florida game where he pointed out "teams have had their way" with the Florida defense, and Arch couldn't figure it out.
“In every game, you get the good, the bad and the ugly,” Kiper said. “That’s what you’re getting. It’s a wild ride. It’s going to be up, down, and around. You might get a quarter, you might get a series, you might get a glimpse, you might get, maybe, a half. But you’re not going to get consistency. You’re just not going to. I keep waiting and waiting and waiting for that game.”
Manning's stats for the year aren't egregious, but when he plays, he can't step up in the game's biggest moments and lead the Longhorns to victory.
Mel Kiper Jr. ended his argument with, “Patrick Mahomes sat for a year. Let’s forget the year. For Arch, I think it’s three years. It’s got to be the Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers model if he comes out.”
Arch Manning can put up numbers; no one can take that away from him, but he can't put up consistent, clutch performances. Quarterbacks like Trinidad Chambliss and Bear Bachmeier are the best players in late-game situations when their teams need to win.
Manning has the physical tools to be a successful quarterback, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds, with the dual-threat ability to run and throw. He just seems a touch late on his reads and processing, which is what holds him back.
No. 19 Texas faces No. 7 Ole Miss at home on Saturday, October 24 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
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