Arch Manning looks to make NFL draft statement vs Ohio State in rematch

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With the college football season underway, the 2027 NFL Draft cycle has ramped up as top prospects from around the country have taken the field with hopes of elevating their stock ahead of next April's draft.

Leading that conversation in a rather deep and talented quarterback room is Texas quarterback Arch Manning, one of the most anticipated draft prospects in recent memory.

Manning kicked off his second season as Texas' starting quarterback in style, throwing for more than 300 yards and four touchdowns while completing 20 of 27 passes in the Longhorns' season-opening win over Texas State. It marked his fifth career 300-yard passing game and third with at least four touchdown passes.

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"Synchronized," ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said of Manning's outing against Texas State on "Get Up" last week. " … This guy's the best quarterback in America. He is so physically talented."

In Week 2, Manning gets his first major test of the season against No. 1 Ohio State. The Texas quarterback lost to the Buckeyes and Julian Sayin in his first start as the Longhorns' full-time starter last season in Columbus.

Saturday's rematch should offer an early measuring stick for Manning's Heisman candidacy and standing among the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class.

Here's what to know:

Arch Manning NFL mock draft projections

Here's where NFL draft analysts have Manning currently going in recent mock drafts:

Below is the analysis from Middlehurst-Schwartz on Manning going to the Cardinals:

"Unlike the Dolphins and Browns, the Cardinals haven't publicly signaled that they're fixing their gaze further down the road than this season. But given the competitive layout of the NFC West and its own myriad roster shortcomings, Arizona still seems like the odds-on favorite to be granted the coveted No. 1 pick. Though the hype for Manning was unquestionably premature at this point a year ago, it was clear by season's end that it wasn't without merit. With a preternatural feel for the position and the tools to create opportunities by evading the rush, Manning is the kind of ascendant talent any coaching staff would sign up for, even if he's not a finished product. In Arizona, he'd instantly provide relevance to a franchise that can't make up considerable ground in the NFC West if it continues to coast behind center."

Arch Manning stats

Here's a look at Manning's stats at Texas:

  • 2023: 2-of-5 (40%) passing for 30 yards; three carries for seven rushing yards
  • 2024: 61-of-90 (67.8%) passing for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions; 25 carries for 108 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns
  • 2025: 248-of-404 (61.4%) passing for 3,163 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions; 92 carries for 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns
  • 2026: 20-of-27 (74.1%) passing for 305 yards with four touchdowns and an interception; three carries for six rushing yards

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arch Manning looks to make NFL draft statement vs Ohio State in rematch

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