Johnny Manziel Releases His Official Prediction For Arch Manning

Johnny Manziel Releases His Official Prediction For Arch Manning originally appeared on The Spun.

Johnny Manziel knows a thing or two about dealing with hype at the collegiate level, so it's only fitting he shared his thoughts on Arch Manning's upcoming season.

Manning wasn't the full-time starter at Texas in 2024, but he did get to showcase his skills during Quinn Ewers' absence. The nephew of Eli and Peyton completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had 108 yards and four scores on the ground.

During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" this Thursday, Manziel made it clear that he expects Manning to get every SEC team's best shot this season. However, he's confident in Manning's abilities.

"I think with the people that he’s had around him, the way that he was raised, the way that he’s grown up, I think he’s prepared for what he is getting himself into," Manziel said. "But when it comes down to it, it is SEC football. They are going to scheme for him, they are going to be prepared for him. They know what kind of quarterback he is. So you’re getting everybody’s best shot. You’re starting off the season at the top of the board. You know who’s coming for the top of the board? Everybody below you."

Manziel also shared where he believes Manning will rank among SEC quarterbacks.

"I think him being the seventh or eighth best in the SEC, I don’t think we’re going to see that," Manziel continued. "I think he’s going to live somewhere in the top three of SEC play when it’s all said and done."

For what it's worth, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. already has Manning as his No. 1 quarterback for the 2026 NFL Draft.

“We put him at No. 1 because we have to. It’s Arch Manning. We saw glimpses last year of the greatness he could provide that Texas offense. Running the football, he’s got great legs. Cooper Manning, his father, was a wide receiver until he got injured. So he’s got speed – something Eli and Peyton didn’t have…” Kiper said. “We don’t know if he will develop into that because he only has 95 career pass attempts… But for right now you have to put him in one.”

If Manning plays extremely well this season, he'll have an important choice to make. He can either go back to Texas for another year of development or try to save an NFL franchise.

Johnny Manziel Releases His Official Prediction For Arch Manning first appeared on The Spun on Aug 14, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.