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2026 NFL Draft: Arch Manning opens as No. 1 favorite

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Early Favorite: Arch Manning (+200)

Despite limited college experience, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has already emerged as the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. After just two career starts and under 100 pass attempts, Manning enters the 2025 season as the Longhorns’ starter and a projected franchise cornerstone.

Bloodlines, tools, and timing are all working in his favor. He’s the nephew of Peyton and Eli, son of Cooper, and the grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning. His mobility and arm strength are the best of the family tree, and with Texas primed for a national title push, his draft stock could soar further.

Quarterbacks Dominate the Top of the Board

Behind Manning, several passers round out the early favorites:

  • Drew Allar (Penn State, +225) – A 6-foot-5 pocket passer with prototypical NFL size and arm strength.
  • Garrett Nussmeier (LSU, +450) – Finally gets his shot after backing up Jayden Daniels. Age (24 in 2026) might be a knock, but experience and tools keep him in the mix.
  • Cade Klubnik (Clemson, +1800) – Once considered a top-tier talent, Klubnik must show consistency to maintain draft relevance.

Other notable QB names to track include LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) and Carson Beck (Miami), both of whom have elite tools and starting roles ahead.

Discover Why Targeting First-Half NFL Lines Can Boost Your Betting Edge and Reduce Variance

Defensive Talent Stacks the Top 10

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Alabama transfer instantly became the Buckeyes’ defensive centerpiece. He has NFL bloodlines, rare instincts, and the versatility to play single-high or in the box. He’s currently the top defensive player projected for the 2026 draft.

T.J. Parker, DL, Clemson

A relentless pass rusher with 16.5 career sacks, Parker headlines a ferocious Tigers defensive front that also features elite DT Peter Woods.

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

A massive 6-6, 275-pound edge rusher who produced seven sacks in 2024. His size and age (only 20) suggest he may just be scratching the surface.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Explosive, agile, and NFL-ready, Mauigoa may be the first offensive tackle off the board in 2026 and a potential top-5 selection.

Position Watch: Prospects by Role

Defensive Line

  • Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) – Injuries slowed him, but the tape is strong and the motor never stops.
  • Aaron Graves (Iowa) – Heavy hands and leverage wizardry; a wrestling background is a plus.
  • Bear Alexander (Oregon) – On his third school, but the tools are top-10 worthy.

Linebackers & Edge

  • Harold Perkins (LSU) – Athleticism leaps off the screen. Health and size will be evaluated closely.
  • Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) – Powerful pass rusher with something to prove in 2025.

Secondary

  • Ashton Stamps (LSU) – Trustworthy in man coverage with elite instincts.
  • Domani Jackson (Alabama) – Former USC transfer trending toward Round 1.
  • Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State) – Size and physicality are NFL-ready if he refines discipline.

Offensive Line

  • DJ Campbell (Texas) – Mauling right guard with pro traits.
  • Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M) – Fluid athlete with positional versatility.

Running Backs

  • Nick Singleton (Penn State) – A top-3 back in 2025, stayed another year to chase a title.
  • Makhi Hughes (Oregon) – A transfer from Tulane, expected to produce heavily in Eugene.
  • Anthony Hankerson (Oregon State) – Short-yardage hammer with NFL comparisons to Javonte Williams.
  • Eli Sanders (USC) – Lighting it up after transferring from New Mexico.

Wide Receivers

  • Nic Anderson (LSU) – Big, explosive, and set to break out with a top-tier QB.
  • Antonio Williams (Clemson) – Polished route-runner returning as Klubnik’s top weapon.

Tight Ends

  • Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin) – Long, athletic pass-catcher facing Big Ten competition for the first time.
  • Oscar Delp (Georgia) – Former top recruit poised to break out in 2025.

Safeties

  • Rod Moore (Michigan) – Would’ve been a 2025 first-rounder if healthy.
  • Michael Taaffe (Texas) – Underrated playmaker with a nose for the ball.

X-Factors to Monitor

Max Klare (Ohio State, TE) – Could benefit from attention paid to elite Buckeye WRs.

Tacario Davis (Washington, CB) – Long corner with starter experience and rising draft buzz.