RG3 Urges Arch Manning to Stay in College Another Year
Robert Griffin III said on The Herd that Arch Manning should return for another college season rather than enter the NFL. Griffin thinks Manning requires additional starts and experience before he is ready for the next level. Through roughly a month of the 2026 season, Manning ranks 11th among qualifying SEC quarterbacks in rating and passing yards, with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Griffin made his case during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, arguing that Manning would benefit from additional college starts before turning pro. He pointed to Manning’s need to demonstrate command of the college game and to handle the expectations attached to his famous surname.
Manning entered 2026 as Texas’ starter after a 2025 season in which the Longhorns fell out of CFP contention. Through about a month, he ranked 11th among 16 qualifying SEC quarterbacks in rating and passing yards, with 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He was the nation’s top 2023 recruit and made two starts in 2024 after Quinn Ewers was injured.
The debate could shape how fans, media and NFL evaluators perceive Manning’s readiness, adding pressure to his remaining college games. If he returns, Texas may benefit from continuity while Manning gains experience; if he leaves, quarterback-needy NFL teams could reassess their