Arch Manning has emerged as the early favorite to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, just days after this year's draft concluded in Pittsburgh. Attention has already shifted to next year, with teams expected to vie for a pool of standout quarterbacks.
Manning Leads Betting Odds
The Texas star, 22, opened as the favorite at +225 odds, according to NBC. Manning is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning. Despite his family's Super Bowl pedigree, Manning's first season as the Longhorns' full-time starter was a rollercoaster, leading to doubts about his NFL potential.
Season Performance
Texas entered the season as the preseason No. 1 but finished ranked No. 12 with a 10-3 record, missing the College Football Playoff. Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, adding 10 rushing touchdowns. He faced early criticism, admitting he 'was playing like garbage' after fans booed him against UTEP. However, he improved later, highlighted by a 60-yard game-sealing touchdown run in the Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.
Reflecting on his season, Manning said earlier this month: 'I think I could have had more fun. The first half of the season, I was (ticked). I wasn't playing well and it wasn't fun for me. And then I kind of sort of said "screw it" and had a little more fun and started winning some games.'
Injury and Recovery
Manning underwent minor foot surgery in January but said his body feels strong. 'I feel 100 percent right now. We're kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today I'd be playing,' he added. 'Obviously when you're not out there, you're kind of antsy. It was hard the first few weeks just not being able to do anything. Now I get to do a little bit more.'
Other Contenders
Other top prospects for the No. 1 pick include Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (+380), Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+750), South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (+1200), and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (+1400). Non-quarterback contenders include Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (+1600), South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart (+2200), and Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons (+2500).
