Texas Longhorns star and embattled quarterback Arch Manning bounced back with a strong performance in a win over Ole Miss in Week 8 of the college football season, but he has struggled more than most observers expected he would as a whole. His coach, Steve Sarkisian, had a blunt message for how he can better succeed after Week 8's win, but time is running out for Manning to impress NFL scouts if he hopes to be the 2026 NFL Draft's number one overall choice ahead of competitors including Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State and Darian Mensah of Miami.
On October 30, Clutch Points' latest NFL Mock Draft was released, and it includes a new No. 1 player, Jeremiah Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who could become the first wide receiver to be taken first in over 30 years.
Smith was mocked to go No. 1 to the Los Angeles Chargers, who have yet to win a game this season under coach Jim Harbaugh and QB Justin Herbert, by Tim Crean of Clutch Points.
“The Chargers are having an absolutely brutal season, but the one silver lining is that they should get a blue-chip player out of it in the 2027 NFL Draft. As the last winless team, if they do have the No. 1 overall pick, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a no-brainer. He is the most talented player in this class, and he fits a need for LA, which absolutely must give Justin Herbert more offensive playmakers.”
Smith is battling Mensah and others for Heisman Trophy positioning heading down the stretch of the 2026 college football season, while Manning has fallen out of the race.
Article Continues BelowManning was mocked at No. 10 to the New York Jets, behind fellow QBs Mensah of Miami (No. 3) and Drew Mestemaker (No. 8) of Oregon State.
“There is a real chance he stays in college and transfers, but no matter what happens the rest of the college football season, Manning will still be a top-10 pick because of his skillset and last name,” Crean wrote.