Why is Arch Manning not in the 2024 NFL Draft? Texas QB's eligibility criteria explored

Arch Manning has been one of the most talked-about names in college football over the last few years. The quarterback had his first season at Texas in 2023, where he barely got game time. While the 2024 NFL Draft remains ongoing, we take a look at Arch Manning's draft eligibility.

Why is Arch Manning not in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Arch Manning is currently not eligible to enter the NFL Draft according to NCAA rules. The quarterback still has a couple of years to play in college before he can declare for the draft.

For a player to be eligible for the NFL draft, according to the regulation, he must have been out of high school for at least three years. Players entering the draft must also have exhausted their college eligibility before the commencement of the next college football season.

NCAA Football: University of Texas Spring Game

The earliest Manning can declare for the NFL Draft is in 2026. That will be after the conclusion of his junior season in college football. The quarterback is set to embark on his sophomore year with the Longhorns after an uneventful freshman season in Austin.

Arch Manning might declare for the NFL draft after Senior Season

Arch Manning will have an increased role in his second year at Texas. However, he will not be getting the starting job.

Following the exit of Maalik Murphy, Manning has been promoted to the backup option from a third-string position, behind Quinn Ewers, who returned for his senior season.

The earliest the former Isidore Newman’s quarterback can earn the starting job is 2025, after which Ewers would have gone to the NFL. Manning is seen as the future signal-caller of the Longhorns and there seems to be nothing in view stopping that at the moment.

Playing one season in the starting role might not be enough to convince NFL teams of his talent. Scouts often check the consistency of players, especially quarterbacks, in two or more college football seasons. Manning will likely return for his senior season to boost his draft chances.

In essence, Manning is likely to declare for the NFL draft after his senior season at Forty Acres. This is likely to present him as a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.

It remains to be seen if he can follow his family legacy of being the No. 1 pick like his uncles, Peyton and Eli, or at least a No. 2 pick like his grandfather, Archie.