Will Arch Manning stay at Texas next year to avoid the Browns?

Could the team with the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft impact Arch Manning’s decision to turn pro after this season? Several NFL Draft gurus are suggesting that possibility, especially if the Cleveland Browns have the top pick. The Manning family has a history of working the draft.

The preseason has been messy for the Browns. Many experts are picking Cleveland to have the worst team in the NFL this year. Of course, that would also mean they have the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. That could actually be good news for the Texas Longhorns.

There’s a good chance Manning decision on whether to go pro or stay in Austin next year hinges on which team has the No. 1 pick. But as an organization, the Browns reputation is one of the worst in the NFL.

Browns analyst Tony Grossi doesn’t think that will be an issue. He says the Mannings have a good relationship with Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam. He believes Arch actually wants to play for the Browns.

“Absolutely,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. “There is a good relationship between the Manning family, and I know we’re talking generations of Manning family, with the Haslams. They would not pull an ‘Eli’ and say I don’t want to play for them.”

“Absolutely,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. “There is a good relationship between the Manning family, and I know we’re talking generations of Manning family, with the Haslams. They would not pull an ‘Eli’ and say I don’t want to play for them.”

In 2004, Eli Manning was the presumptive No. 1 pick in the draft and the San Diego Chargers had the top pick. Not liking the direction the team was heading, Manning’s camp told the Chargers that Eli would sit out a year and enter the 2025 draft rather than play for San Diego. The Chargers did take Eli, but traded him to the New York Giants the same day.

Arch Manning‘s decision might not depend on who might be drafting him. NFL draft guru Todd McShay believes the Manning family might decide Arch needs another year in college before stepping into the even bigger spotlight of the NFL.

“I don’t even know that the Manning’s look at this as the swan song at Texas,” McShaw said on his podcast. “There’s a long history of Mannings sticking around that extra year that people didn’t think they’d stick around until they’re right and they feel like they’re ready. I won’t be surprised at all if he’s in the 2028 draft.”

“I don’t even know that the Manning’s look at this as the swan song at Texas,” McShaw said on his podcast. “There’s a long history of Mannings sticking around that extra year that people didn’t think they’d stick around until they’re right and they feel like they’re ready. I won’t be surprised at all if he’s in the 2028 draft.”

A lot could depend on how the season goes. Texas is loaded for a national title run. But the Longhorns also have the toughest schedule in the nation. Arch might want to “finish the job” in Austin. The tough slate could also impact Manning’s draft ranking.

Several experts don’t believe the Browns are guaranteed to even draft Manning No. 1, opting instead for Oregon quarterback Dante Moore.

Grossi doesn’t see that scenario playing out. He thinks if Arch is in the NFL draft and available, the Browns will take him.

“I love Dante Moore,” Grossi said. “But it’s going to be Arch Manning. I mean, mark it down. If the Browns have the No. 1 pick it would be Arch Manning.”

“I love Dante Moore,” Grossi said. “But it’s going to be Arch Manning. I mean, mark it down. If the Browns have the No. 1 pick it would be Arch Manning.”

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Will Arch Manning stay at Texas next year to avoid the Browns?