Eli Manning says college is about more than the NFL as Arch weighs 2027 draft

The Texas quarterback's uncle says enjoying college, chasing championships and growing as a leader matter more than an early jump to the NFL.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has become one of the most talked-about players in college football this season, and the biggest question surrounding him extends beyond the field. The 22-year-old has yet to commit to entering the 2027 NFL Draft and could instead return to the Longhorns for another college season. His uncle, Eli Manning, has now addressed that possibility directly.

Talk is already swirling about which college players will sit near the top of next year's draft board, and quarterbacks command the largest share of that attention. Manning's case is unusual because the real uncertainty is not where he might be selected but whether he declares at all. He could choose to play another season of college football instead.

The early-season results show why the buzz exists. Manning has thrown seven touchdown passes this year while leading Texas to an unbeaten 4-0 start. His famous surname has added another layer, with the expectations attached to the Manning name keeping him at the center of the conversation.

Eli Manning, discussing his nephew's situation, said the value of college extends well beyond serving as a stepping stone to the pros. "The whole point of college is to enjoy being in college and to get better every year," he said. He pointed to the opportunity to play more games, develop as a player, prepare for the NFL, compete for a national or SEC championship and serve as a team captain as the goals that drove his own family. "All those things were important to us," Eli said.

He was explicit that reaching the league should not be the only focus. "It's not just about, 'Hey, this is all about getting to the NFL and going to the next step,'" he said. In his view, the college years are for enjoying the experience and your teammates, becoming a better player and leader, and building something special with a group that has come up together. "I'm proud of Arch and how he's handled this and his mindset," he added.

Outside opinions have flowed in as well. The case of quarterback Fernando Mendoza this season has been held up as a reminder that even the No. 1 overall pick is not assured of immediate success in the NFL, a reality the younger Manning will have to weigh. Robert Griffin III has also publicly urged him to pass on the 2027 draft and remain in college.

Within the family, the stance is relaxed. According to the report, no pressure is being placed on Arch to declare, and with a long season still ahead for the Longhorns, nothing is expected to be settled imminently. The message from his uncle is that the remaining games and team goals come first.

The likeliest timeline is a full season of evaluation. Manning may wait until the college campaign ends to assess his options, and how he performs over the coming months could shape what he views as the best next step for his career. Either way, the call will be his to make.