RG3 Urges Arch Manning to Forego NFL Jump for More College Experience
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III suggests the Texas signal-caller needs more starts to overcome the pressure of his family name.
FOX broadcaster Robert Griffin III is calling for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning to return for another year of college football rather than entering the NFL Draft, as first reported by Sports Illustrated. Speaking on *The Herd with Colin Cowherd*, Griffin argued that Manning has not yet made the college game look easy, a benchmark he uses to determine when a player is truly ready for the professional level.
Griffin contends that Manning is still grappling with the immense pressure associated with his surname, feeling a need to produce massive statistics—such as 350 yards and five touchdowns per game—to justify his reputation. According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, Griffin believes Manning requires more starts and opportunities to prove he has mastered the collegiate game.
While the Texas Longhorns currently hold the No. 1 ranking and Manning secured a victory against Ohio State in Week 2, his statistical output has been modest. Sports Illustrated reports that Manning ranks 11th among 16 qualifying SEC quarterbacks in both passing yards (862) and QB rating. He has recorded seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Manning, the top recruit of the 2023 class, has had a winding path to the starting role. After sitting most of 2023 and starting twice in 2024 due to an injury to quarterback Quinn Ewers, Manning started in 2025 as a Heisman favorite, though that season was viewed as a disappointment as Texas fell from CFP contention. While Manning is considered a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, Griffin's suggestion to return for the 2027 season comes amid mixed results for players who stay in school, such as Oregon's Dante Moore, who suffered a significant injury against USC after turning down a likely No. 2 overall draft selection.