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In the world of college football, expectations often run high for top-tier recruits, and Arch Manning is no exception. As the highly anticipated quarterback prospect began his first season with the University of Texas, his performance was a far cry from the hype that surrounded his arrival. Completing just two of five es for a mere 30 yards across two games, Manning's initial stats were, at best, unremarkable. Yet, despite the modest numbers, the buzz about his potential NFL future remains strong-a conversation that has followed him since his high school days.
But not everyone is eager to rush Manning to the professional ranks. On Wednesday, future Hall of Famer Drew Brees shared a perspective that deviates from the conventional wisdom surrounding the Manning family. During an interview with Larry Holder of The Athletic, Brees suggested that the best course of action for Arch Manning might not be the fast track to the NFL that so many expect.
"The best thing for Arch Manning is to spend five years at the University of Texas," Brees advised, leaving a moment for the statement to sink in.
It's a proposal that, at first glance, might seem surprising. After all, Manning stayed under the four-game redshirt limit in 2023, preserving a year of eligibility. This could allow him to remain with the Longhorns until 2027-an extended college tenure that few would predict for a player of his caliber.
However, Brees' suggestion comes with a rationale grounded in long-term development. He emphasized the value of staying the course at Texas, focusing on growth, leadership, and making a serious run at national championships before considering the NFL.
"That'd be the best thing for him," Brees elaborated, "just stay there, lock in, learn, grow, develop, become an incredible leader for that team and make a run at some national championships. Then, he will be the most prepared going into the NFL at that point."
Will Arch Manning consider Brees' proposal
This perspective offers a refreshing contrast to the typical narrative that surrounds college football prodigies-especially those with the Manning pedigree. The pressure to declare for the NFL as soon as possible is intense, but Brees' advice encourages a more patient approach, one that prioritizes readiness over speed.
As the Longhorns prepare to kick off their season against Colorado State, all eyes remain on their current starter, Quinn Ewers. However, the looming question of Arch Manning's future at Texas-and whether he'll take the long road to NFL stardom-adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of this storied football program.
For now, it seems Manning's journey is just beginning, with more time and growth ahead before the final chapter of his college career is written. Drew Brees' unconventional advice may well serve as a guiding principle for how that story unfolds.