Screen grab: Austin American-Statesman

Ahead of the 2025 college football season, many have been wondering whether Texas quarterback Arch Manning could depart for the NFL after starting one season with the Longhorns. But at least at the moment, this possibility seems like the last thing on Manning’s mind.

Arch Manning is set to prove himself as the unquestioned starter for the Longhorns entering the 2025 college football season after Quinn Ewers departed for the NFL. And while many are already discussing Manning’s prospects for the NFL, it seems like Manning is instead taking things day by day and not looking too far ahead in his career.

On Tuesday, Manning was asked about whether he is looking ahead at whether he does have any interest in declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft after the 2025 season. His answer was a positive one for Longhorns fans wondering where Manning’s mindset is ahead of the season, explains how he is instead “just focused on getting better each day”.

“I’m really just focused on this interview and our run tomorrow,” said Manning. “Nah, I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

It certainly makes sense for Manning to take this kind of approach considering he has yet to really prove himself at the collegiate level.

That being said, if Manning does prove to live up to the hype that has been placed on him since entering the Longhorns program in 2023, he could very well turn into one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and have a real decision to make on his future after the 2025 season.

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.