As one of college’s football’s most talked-about prospects, plenty were hoping Arch Manning would make a splash as soon as he landed on a college campus.
In the court of public opinion, the Texas QB was tasked with revitalizing a program that had fallen far from the championship-level standards it had established for itself throughout its history. Manning — the latest in a dynasty of footballing greats — appeared perfectly equipped to accomplish such a goal. He just needed a chance, an opportunity that many believed would come at some point during his first year on campus, 2023.
Things didn’t quite turn out that way. But after a pair of impressive cameos in first few games of the 2024 season, many are wondering just what year Manning belongs to. Is he a fresh-faced freshman or a stoic sophomore?
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With that, here’s what you need to know about Manning’s year and eligibility as he attempts to make magic happen at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Is Arch Manning a freshman?
Manning is a freshman. Just not a true one.
The youngster isn’t quite a newcomer to Steve Sarkisian’s system, having made his debut in 2023. In fact, Manning appeared in two games last season, completing 2-of-5 passes for 30 yards.
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NCAA rules state that a program can designate a player for a redshirt as long as they play no more than four games in a single season. Manning, like many other players in his situation, was held out of contests in the hopes of maintaining his redshirt status. The move worked a treat: despite getting a season’s worth of time with Sarkisian’s playbook, Manning was designated a redshirt freshman for the 2024 season. He’ll be eligible to play for Texas — or whomever else he desires to suit up for — up until 2028.
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When will Arch Manning be eligible for NFL Draft?
Manning will need to spend one more season in college before he is eligible for the draft. The soonest he could be picked will be in April of 2026.
