Arch Manning is a top 10 selection in early 2026 NFL mock draft, but he's not the No. 1 overall pick

The 2024 NFL Draft is barely behind us and 2026 NFL mock drafts are already popping up on the internet (along with 2025 mock drafts, of course). 

DraftCountdown.com's Shane Hallam released his first 2026 NFL mock draft earlier this month and he has a big name getting selected in the top 10. 

Hallam has Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning getting selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Manning, a five-star recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, hasn't started a game yet at Texas. And if all goes to plan for the Longhorns, he won't start a game in 2024 while serving as the backup to starter Quinn Ewers. 

Hallam's prediction assumes that Manning has a tremendous season in 2025 as the starter at Texas and then declares for the NFL draft. That's definitely a possibility for Manning, though I wouldn't be shocked if he stays at Texas for the 2026 season -- even if he has an incredible season in 2025 (sticking around for at least four years seems to be the Manning way...it's the path that Peyton and Eli, both No. 1 overall picks, took as star college athletes).