Credits: Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Could Arch Manning Break the Saints’ 50-Year Drought as the No. 1 Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Credits: Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorn quarterback, has emerged as a standout talent in college football. A five-star recruit coming out of Isidore High School, in New Orleans, Manning joined Texas in 2023 as the No.1 prospect in his class. As a freshman, he appeared in two games, completing 2 of 5 passes for 30 yards, preserving his redshirt status. In 2024, Manning served as a backup to Quinn Ewers, playing in six games, throwing for 939 passing yards, 9 passing touchdowns, on 2 interceptions, and also recorded 4 rushing touchdowns, and 108 rushing yards, on 67.8 % pass completion rate. He played in 10 games but started only for two.

Entering his third season, Manning is projected to lead a Texas team coming off of a 13-3 record in 2024, that included a College Football Playoff semifinal run. Texas defeated Clemson and Arizona State before losing to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. With Ewers now in the NFL, Manning’s arm strength, and decision making, have made him the betting favorite for the No.1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft via @CBSSports https://t.co/dRoeG9MZ1x pic.twitter.com/e2UqsJ0XSE
— On3 (@On3sports) April 29, 2025

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Could Arch Manning Be the Saints’ First-Round QB Since Archie?

The New Orleans Saints, after coming off of a 5-12 season in 2024, could land a high 2026 draft pick if their 2025 season yields a poor record. The Saints are the only team in the NFL, who have not drafted a quarterback in the 1st round of the draft in the last 50 years. The last time the Saints drafted a QB was back in 1971, when they drafted Arch’s grandfather Archie Manning, who was drafted as the 2nd overall pick, and played in the NFL for 14 seasons.

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Arch could end this drought if the Saints land a top pick, potentially No.1 overall, given their quarterback uncertainty with Derek Carr and Tyler Shough who was recently drafted as the 40th pick in the 2025 NFL draft. If Shough fails to deliver, and Saints somehow find a way to get the No.1 overall pick, drafting Arch should definitely be the top priority going into the NFL Draft. However, it is never as easy as it is said. There are also reports that Arch Manning may not decided to declare for the NFL draft next year, as his uncles Peyton and Eli Manning used all of their college eligibility, before heading to the NFL, and same could follow for Arch too.

Also Read: “I Know I’m Ready To Start” J.J McCarthy Is Ready To Step Up As the Starting Quarterback for the Vikings

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.