Countdown to Kickoff: Is Jordan Rodgers wrong about Arch Manning?

We are just 44 days from Texas taking the field against Texas State and it’s SEC media days week! Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns will take centerstage in Tampa today, but Arch Manning is already a topic of discussion. Jordan Rodgers, former Vanderbilt QB and ESPN analyst, shared his thoughts about Manning heading into the season. While some have stamped Manning as a “sure thing,” Rodgers is not as convinced. 

Now, Rodger’s full comments are much more nuanced than just doubting Arch Manning. He acknowledges Arch’s ability to improve and how he fully expects him to become a first round pick next spring. Regardless, many Longhorn fans took exception with the comments, calling it unfair. Once watching the full comments, I’m not sure Rodgers is incorrect about Manning heading into the season. 

“I don’t think Arch has a generational arm, or generational athleticism.”

—@JRodgers11 on what could hold Arch Manning back from being a top pick in the NFL draft 🏉 pic.twitter.com/ZxWq1FUSTT

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 22, 2026

The one thing we have to clarify to start the conversation: the word “generational” is often overused in sports, especially college football. Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson are examples of generational athleticism. Arch Manning is not as athletic as those guys. Patrick Mahomes and Caleb Williams have generational arm talent. Arch Manning’s  doesn’t match those guys. That’s not to say Manning doesn’t have great athleticism and great arm talent, but it’s not “generational”. 

Rodger’s biggest point for Manning was he needs to be more efficient if he wants to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. I’m not sure I share that sentiment. However, that is based on what I believe Manning will be, not what he has been. That’s the difference Rodgers is seemingly trying to highlight. That being said, there is no argument against the idea that Manning has to be more efficient. 

Keep listening before you freak out and think I’m Bashing Arch. Love Arch, but in the context of a overall pick he doesn’t have the can’t miss generational physical tools. But he will play himself into a 1st Rd pick as his mechanics and footwork continue to improve like we saw… https://t.co/fcatQGhsLx

— Jordan Rodgers (@JRodgers11) July 22, 2026

Arch Manning finished the season on a tear. From the Mississippi State game forward, he totalled 19 TDs, 2 INTs and led Texas to a 5-1 record. However, during that time he also had just one game where he completed more than 63% of his passes. On the season, he completed just 61.4% of his passes, ranking 81st in the country. In the past three seasons, the national championship QB has finished in the top 10 in completion percentage in the country. It’s not a requirement, but he has to get closer to 66% this season for the Texas offense to find their rhythm. 

Arch Manning is a very talented player. His ceiling as a QB is as high as any to come through Austin. However, he has areas of his game where he’s an incomplete product. Last season, Manning was built up to be something he wasn’t in the preseason. I’m not sure it’s a bad thing for the national media(and Longhorns fans) to be acknowledging his shortcomings before the season. That way, he can be properly praised when he does improve in those areas.

Arch Manning has the pocket navigation skills of a 10-year NFL veteran pic.twitter.com/oj4rKSYeiL

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) July 21, 2026

Arch Manning has just about every tool needed to be an elite QB. He has elite size, a strong arm, great athleticism and, most importantly, he’s a student of the game. I believe I’ll be writing an article in November about Manning’s steps forward, especially when it comes to mechanics and accuracy. However, I’m not sure I share the sentiment that Rodgers is entirely wrong with his assessment. 

I fully believe Arch Manning is going to be a first-round pick. I believe he will develop massively this season, improve in many ways and become one of the best QBs in the country. That being said, I’m not sure Rodgers is entirely out of bounds not viewing Manning as a first-round talent right now. I don’t entirely agree with him, but I do understand where he’s coming from. 

All that said, if this adds to the fuel to the fire for Manning and the Longhorns heading into this season, that’s a positive.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Is Jordan Rodgers wrong about Arch Manning?