Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have one less option at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to land a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, one of the top options seems to have just publicly postponed his declaration to the NFL.
Archie Manning declares that his grandson, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, will not be heading to the next level until at least 2027.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” he told Texas Monthly. “He’ll be at Texas.”
Manning’s grandfather admits that he hasn’t discussed it with Arch, but that he knows his grandson well enough to confidently say it. If that holds true, it will a big bummer for quarterback-needy teams like the Steelers.
Manning is expected to be the next great quarterback prospect as a member of one of the gold standard football families.
The 21-year-old still has a lot to prove, though. He began his collegiate career as the team’s third-string quarterback behind Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy in 2023.
Manning made his debut during the third quarter of a blowout win against Texas Tech, completing 2-of-5 passing attempts for 30 yards. After the season, he was redshirted.
Manning received a little more action during the 2024 season, completing 61 of 90 passes (67.8%) for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian even announced that Manning would be the starting quarterback against Louisiana–Monroe after a couple of nice performances in relief of the injured Ewers.
The team will be finally be Manning’s in 2025 and many believe he will pick up right where he left off as one of the nation’s best quarterbacks. Unfortunately, his trip to the NFL will have to wait.
That likely won’t stop mock drafts from including Manning until he makes the news official, though.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Top QB Prospect Opts Out of 2026 NFL Draft
