Jordan Rodgers is not on the Arch Manning hype train, as he pushed against first-round projections for the Texas quarterback. Rodgers argued that Manning is not a first-round prospect, as he lacks the generational arm and elite athleticism typically required of first-round picks.
The Vanderbilt alum made these claims during an exchange with Stephen A. Smith on Friday's episode of First Take on ESPN.
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When Smith pushed back, insisting a Manning cannot be drafted outside the top-10, Rodgers asked why he wasn't a first-round pick based on his name.
Smith quickly clarified that being a Manning is a different ball game. Jordan Rodgers is the younger brother of legendary NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
However, like Smith pointed out, Arch Manning comes from a deeper pedigree, with a grandfather and two uncles who are NFL royalty. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old has had a roller-coaster college career, as he gears up for an important campaign in the 2026 season.
Manning spent the first two years of his college career learning behind Quinn Ewers before taking the rein of the Longhorns' offense last season. However, a sluggish start in the season-opener against Ohio State and uninspiring outings against Florida and Georgia marred his season.
He would overcome these setbacks, as he finished he season with 3,163 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. A four-touchdown performance against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl capped his campaign in a dramatic fashion.
The hype surrounding the quarterback has gathered a huge momentum yet again as the season approaches. The Longhorns will open their season against Texas State with a consensus top-five roster.
Arch Manning is at the top of this squad, entering the fall as a heavy Heisman favorite and a projected No. 1 overall pick. Meanwhile, comments from analysts like Jordan Rodgers continue to question if he truly possess generational traits to set him apart as a true elite quarterback.
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