Is Arch Manning thinking about the 2027 NFL Draft? Peyton and Eli Manning gave him one important message

Arch Manning cannot really escape NFL questions. His last name guarantees that much, and the 2027 NFL Draft conversation has already started before his second full season as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback.His uncles, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, have given him a much simpler assignment. Enjoy college. PEOPLE's Skyler Caruso published an exclusive interview with Arch on Sept. 5, though the conversation took place during the Miami Grand Prix in early May.What did Peyton and Eli Manning tell Arch Manning about the 2027 NFL Draft?Arch said both of his uncles have spoken to him about this stage of his career.Their message did not involve draft boards, NFL teams or where he could eventually be selected.“Yeah, a lot of advice,” Arch told PEOPLE. “They ultimately just told me to enjoy college right now, worry about that when the time comes, just take it day by day and try to be a good guy.”That advice comes from two quarterbacks who know exactly what waits on the other side.Peyton became the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft and later entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Eli also went No. 1 overall, in 2004, before spending his NFL career with the New York Giants.Arch has given no public commitment about entering the 2027 NFL Draft.When PEOPLE spoke with him shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft, he stayed noncommittal about whether he would declare next year. His focus remained on Texas.“Trying to make the most out of it,” Manning said of the upcoming season. “Do whatever I can to help the team win and have a good time.”That approach follows a 2025 season in which Manning became Texas’ full-time starter. The Longhorns finished 10-3.He also admitted that his first year in charge gave him plenty to process.“Got an in-game experience, there were ups and downs, but ultimately learned from it and excited for this year,” Manning said.One of those difficult moments came immediately.Texas opened the 2025 season with a 14-7 road loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Eli later told PEOPLE he was proud of how his nephew handled the environment and stayed in the game.The attention around Arch has only increased since then.Why is the NFL conversation already following Arch Manning into the 2026 season?Manning enters 2026 with two stories developing at the same time. Texas needs him now. The NFL might want him next.PEOPLE described Manning as an expected top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, while other early projections have already begun connecting him with quarterback-needy teams. One Sept. 5 report from Marca discussed the Arizona Cardinals as a possible destination while stressing that the draft remains far away.That distinction matters.Arizona's eventual draft position is unknown. Manning has not declared. An entire college football season still sits between the current speculation and any 2027 NFL decision.For Manning, the immediate calendar is much simpler.Texas opens its 2026 season against the Texas State Bobcats on Sept. 5. It will be Manning's second year as the Longhorns' full-time starter and another chance to build on what he learned in 2025.His offseason comments also suggest he understands how quickly the NFL discussion can swallow everything around a highly rated college quarterback.When he spoke with PEOPLE in May, Manning said he planned to use his time away from football to return to New Orleans, spend time with friends and decompress.“I love to play golf, hang out with my buddies and just be a regular dude,” Manning said.The NFL questions are not disappearing. Neither is the Manning name attached to them.For now, Peyton and Eli have told their nephew exactly where to keep his attention: Texas, one day at a time.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.