Manning turns 20 on April 27. Even if he wins the Heisman this season, he’d still enter the NFL light on experience. He must feel confident that he’d be a top pick no matter when he comes out, so he might as well continue to hone his skills.

Manning has yet to experience a full college season as a starting quarterback, but many are already calling him a lock to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and will be the face of Texas' 2025 team as he assumes the role of starting quarterback.