When is Arch Manning eligible for the NFL draft?

Arch Manning is currently a backup for Texas behind starter Quinn Ewers, but he will get opportunities to play this season when the Longhorns have a commanding lead (as they did last week).

Despite being a redshirt freshman who is yet to start a game at the college level, the quarterback’s pedigree already has football cans asking: When is Arch Manning eligible for the NFL draft?

Manning, 19, graduated from Isidore Newman in 2023. NFL rules state that a player must be at least three years removed from high school before being eligible for the draft. So the earliest Manning would be eligible for the NFL draft is 2026, but the QB could stay in school longer.

Both of Arch’s uncles — Peyton and Eli — spent four years in college (Peyton at Tennessee and Eli at Ole Miss). That doesn’t guarantee that Arch will remain at Texas that long, but the family’s history is worth noting.

Speaking of family history, Arch’s father is Cooper Manning. He’s not as well-known as brothers Peyton and Eli, but Cooper was a star wide receiver in high school before his football career was cut short by spinal stenosis.

Arch will remain at the college level for at least one more season after 2024, so fans eager to see him in the NFL will have to wait a few more years.

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