Texas’ Manning reacts to grandfather’s 2026 NFL Draft prediction

“I don’t know where he got that from,” Manning said Tuesday, via CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. “He texted me and apologized about that, but I’m really just taking it day-by-day right now.” 

Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas but is already viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler tabbed him as his top QB entering the season. 

Still, it would reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would want to play for a team that has a stable head-coaching situation and front office. Most franchises that are picking near the top of the draft don’t have that. 

More importantly, Manning must prove he’s worthy of the No. 1 pick. Despite his family name, he doesn’t have a large enough sample size to show he’s pro-ready.

“If his last name were ‘Smith’ and he were a three-star recruit instead of a five-star blue-chipper, would he still appear this high early in draft rankings? Who knows,” wrote Brugler. “However, what he has put on film so far has been very impressive. Now, scouts need to see it consistently each week, especially against the top opponents on Texas’ schedule.”

Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at noon ET (Fox). 

The QB should probably tell his family to deflect questions about the draft until he’s ready to make a decision. Speculation about his future could create even more pressure, which he doesn’t need.