The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base is looking forward to watching four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers operate under center for the organization in 2025. It would take a drastic turn of events for the signal-caller to return in 2026, which has led many to believe that the franchise will be in the market to select a quarterback when the draft is held in the Steel City. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to have 12 picks at his disposal as of now, so a trade up could be in the cards. Even with those resources, it's unlikely that Arch Manning will be within reach.
Tim Warner / Getty Images
University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning gets ready to let go of a football while warming up on the sidelines during a collegiate football contest.
The 2026 quarterback carousel is a little bit confusing as NFL teams compete in training camp ahead of the 2025 regular season. News of late has made it seem as if Manning will stay at the University of Texas, despite the fact that he could very well be in line to be taken first overall. It's becoming increasingly more likely that he remains playing for the Longhorns, rather than for a professional team in 2026.
Archie Manning says his grandson Arch is staying with the Longhorns past this season 😮
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 7, 2025
Could the potential No. 1 pick stay put in college?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/GVtH1WJ0yn
Manning staying at Texas would lead to there being one less quarterback available once the draft rolls around. With Manning already being slotted as the first selection in many mock drafts, him declaring would be beneficial for the Steelers. If Pittsburgh has no opportunity to select in the Top 5, then it would be ideal for Manning to be available, allowing another signal-caller to potentially slip down the draft board.
This is exactly why the Steelers could secretly be rooting for two NFL foes to be absolutely terrible in 2025. For Manning, the perfect situation may have to arise for him to announce his plans to be drafted in 2026.
Both the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants are not expected to be overwhelmingly good, and if one is in the driver's seat to pick the best quarterback in the draft class, Manning might be severely tempted to leave college so he can lead one of the two franchises that his uncles had so much success playing for. All of these dominos falling do one simple thing for the Steelers, and that's having an extra option to draft that may have not been there with Manning still at Texas.
Michael Hickey Photography
Steelers' now-quarterbacks coach Tom Arth (left) stands beside Peyton Manning (right) during an NFL preseason game in 2005 as both players look on from the Indianapolis Colts' sideline.
The Manning family has deep ties in the NFL world, which is why an incredible storyline could develop if Arch ended up becoming the next franchise quarterback for either Peyton Manning or Eli Manning's long-time teams. If, for example, the Cleveland Browns end the 2025 season with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Arch Manning could have his decision be much easier as opposed to some other possibilities that could make it more challenging.
The Giants did trade back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart back in late April, but he'd immediately become a trade candidate if someone with the last name Manning was in the franchise's grasp.
This is all hypothetical, but it's hard to imagine that Arch Manning wouldn't forego his 2026 campaign at Texas for the NFL if the Colts or Giants held onto the number one overall pick when Pittsburgh hosts the big weekend. With the Longhorns' start already not expected to fall anywhere outside of the Top 5, another quarterback body in what is expected to be a stout draft class can only be looked at as beneficial for the Steelers and Khan.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone and speaks with someone while in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Steelers Can't Afford To Go Many More Years Without The Future At Quarterback Set In Stone
The NFL is a passing league and it has been proven recently that teams need a long-term answer at the most important position in all of sports. Pittsburgh has put a Band-Aid on it essentially ever year since the 2022 campaign, and Rodgers has one, maybe two, years left in him. The overall goal when the draft is hosted in the Steel City is likely landing a star-in-the-making, which is why Arch Manning coming out would be a favorable development for the Steelers.
Do you think Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft if the Colts or Giants have the number one overall pick? Let us know in the comments below!
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