Overview

• An ESPN survey of 25 NFL scouts and executives named Manning the top 2026 quarterback only once, with many expecting he returns to Texas and targets the 2027 draft.
• On College GameDay, Nick Saban cited mechanical and footwork issues and urged drilling fundamentals, while Kirk Herbstreit pointed to confidence and mental strain and Pat McAfee acknowledged overhyping him.
• FOX analyst Joel Klatt said Manning is moving through reads too fast and throwing off rhythm, and Chase Daniel previously flagged off-kilter mechanics on film.
• Tim Tebow encouraged Manning to play free and ignore outside pressure, echoing support from Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and former Longhorns who framed the start as part of a growth process.
• Through a 2-1 start for No. 8 Texas, Manning has 579 passing yards, six passing TDs and three interceptions with a noted 10-pass incompletion stretch vs. UTEP before a nonconference tune-up against Sam Houston.