Arch Manning. One of the most sought-after recruits since coming out of high school in Louisiana. Everyone knows the last name.
Manning…Comes with a different kind of expectation than most. Two Super Bowl-winning uncles in Eli and Peyton Manning. New Orleans legend Arch Manning is your grandfather. Dad Cooper Manning, who would have been an NFL WR barring a few injuries in his youth. Arch has plenty to prove, but I truly feel he is up for that challenge. Let’s dissect the man behind the Manning name.
The Good:
Arch was fantastic in his flash plays, sitting behind former UT quarterback Quinn Ewers. 6’4 with an athletic build and mindset to never let the end zone slip from your hands. From options plays to RPOs, he was their go-to weapon near the goal line.
But being a week-in, week-out starter is very different than coming in two or three times a game. Week 1 in 2025 was the biggest wake-up call the country could have had. Arch vs. the reigning National Champions. The Ohio State Buckeyes. Who just recently had over 5 players go in the top 100 picks in the NFL draft. This would set off his collegiate journey on a very up-and-down season.
From the rainfall of fire that was playing in Columbus, Ohio, to domination against Michigan in their bowl game, Arch has had quite the challenging road. Let’s talk about the good for now. Flashes of excellence are the first thing I think of when evaluating Arch. When he puts it all together, footwork, release, follow-through, route progression, it is one of the cleanest tapes I have ever seen.
He uses his size to stay firm in the pocket when he has the time. Extremely accurate down the deep middle of the field, along with intermediate routes between the numbers. If he gets outside the pocket, be prepared for him to lower his shoulder and take any yards he can get.
The Bad:
With all the good, of course, comes the bad as well. He has made strides, but he continues to struggle with understanding certain defensive coverages. When it looked like the man and the defense bailed to zone, that was a huge issue in Arch’s game (On3 Rivals).
He would constantly put the ball in harm’s way because of a quick read where he thought a receiver would break open, only to see a linebacker in the shadows ready to make a play. Other struggles also occurred against blitzing situations. The arm strength against pressure was amazing, but the decisions were borderline horrific.
Constantly putting the ball in harm’s way when a defender was remotely close to a sack. These flashes we spoke of need to be more consistent if he wants to be a legitimate starter in the league (SI).
Most QB’s in college play from some type of gun formation to give them time to read the defense, avoid turning their back to the play, and to avoid fumbling under center snaps. Arch does a great job in both these situations, but I noticed him constantly struggling in empty sets.
Almost like the panic of not having that extra RB protection made him get rid of the ball quicker. Even when he had a clean pocket to step into. The last thing is where he decides to push the ball. Several plays showed a perimeter receiver wide open, only for Arch to hold the ball or put it in harm’s way. Throwing outside the numbers needs to be a strength when turning into the face of a billion-dollar franchise.
Arch Manning Final Evaluation
Overall, this is only summer scouting, and we have a long way to go. Arch has some of the highest potential you can find in a draft project. He has my highest score of 81 out of 100 (Blitz) when it comes to trait and football evaluation scoring.
With some of the highest numbers (PFF) being in competitiveness, size, and arm strength. This isn’t a situation where the name is carrying the player, but for the first time in a while, the player is fully carrying the family name. He has lived up to almost every expectation, and I believe he will continue to far exceed anything that stands in his way.
