Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn't completely convinced Arch Manning will declare for the 2027 NFL Draft despite the star quarterback being projected as the first overall pick.
"I would not be surprised," Sarkisian told host Kay Adams on Monday's "Up and Adams" show.
"I think that Arch really loves college football. I really do. I think he loves the University of Texas. He does pretty good through NIL. He's got some pretty good endorsements going right now, which is a credit to him and obviously the lineage of the last name and the brand of the University of Texas - all of those things coming together."
Sarkisian added that he also wouldn't be shocked if Manning moved on to the NFL next year, noting that the decision will likely come down to what Texas accomplishes this campaign and how the 22-year-old performs.
Manning is entering his redshirt junior season after he opted not to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound passer joined Texas in 2023 and spent the first two campaigns of his career backing up Quinn Ewers before being handed the starting role.
Manning struggled early in the 2025 season, throwing five interceptions in his first five games. However, he developed into a reliable starter as the year progressed, finishing with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 144.92 passer rating. He also led the Longhorns with 10 rushing scores to go along with 399 rushing yards.
Texas bolstered its roster after finishing the campaign with a 10-3 record and missing the College Football Playoff. Wideout Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers are among the transfers expected to elevate the Longhorns' offense alongside Manning.
Many NFL evaluators project Texas to produce at least three first-round prospects in 2027, with Manning, Coleman, edge rusher Colin Simmons, and offensive lineman Trevor Goosby expected to be drafted early.
While Sarkisian recognized the weight of Manning's decision next year, the coach said he's locked in on kicking off a new campaign.
"Our focus is on getting ready for the season," Sarkisian said.
The Longhorns open the 2026 campaign against Texas State on Sept. 5 before hosting Ohio State on Sept. 12.
