If the Los Angeles Rams plan to be in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, one of the top prospects is now off the board. Texas QB Arch Manning has decided to return to school for the 2026 season, putting off his plans to enter the NFL draft for at least one more year. His dad, Cooper Manning, informed ESPN of the decision.

This was always viewed as a possible outcome, even with Arch being viewed by many analysts as the top overall prospect before the 2025 season began. He endured some struggles at Texas this season, completing 227 of 370 passes (61%) for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 244 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games.

Manning will now look to improve his slipping draft stock next season by bouncing back in what will be his second year as a starter for the Longhorns. He’s still viewed as a highly coveted prospect, but there’s no question his game needs work after just one season as a starter at the college level.

Back in July, it was reported by Yahoo Sports that the Rams covet Manning who has a ceiling similar to Josh Allen’s when he entered the league in 2018.

“The comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college football season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster running athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018,” Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reported.

The Rams have two first-round picks in 2026, which is part of the reason they’ve consistently been linked to Manning. But if they want to bring the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning to Los Angeles, they’ll have to wait at least one more year.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Arch Manning staying at Texas, not an option for Rams