Former NFL QB Griffin Says Manning Needs Another Year Before Going Pro
Robert Griffin III, appearing on a recent broadcast, argued that Texas quarterback Arch Manning should return for another college season rather than enter the NFL draft, citing his inconsistent performance this year. Manning, once a preseason Heisman favorite, ranks 11th among SEC qualifying quarterbacks in rating with 862 passing yards and 7 touchdowns to 3 interceptions through the first month. Griffin suggested that Manning still feels pressure to justify his elite recruitment status and needs more starts to prove he has truly mastered the college game.
Arch Manning entered the 2025 season as a highly touted prospect following years of limited playing time at Texas. Despite being the top-ranked recruit in his class, he had seen minimal action during his first two years on campus. When finally given the starting role this season, he has delivered middling results, ranking 11th among eligible SEC quarterbacks in efficiency metrics while his team faced unexpected struggles after entering the year as a national championship contender.
Griffin's perspective draws from his own experience navigating the transition from college to professional football. The FOX analyst argues that Manning's current performance—competent but not dominant—suggests he lacks the confidence and mastery that typically accompanies NFL readiness. The pressure accompanying Manning's elite pedigree and famous surname may be compounding his adjustment to full-time starting duties, according to Griffin's assessment.
Manning's potential decision could influence how elite college quarterback prospects approach their departure timing in an era of expanded transfer options and early NFL entry opportunities. If Manning were to return, it might signal that elite recruits benefit from additional college development despite draft eligibility. Conversely, his choice could reflect broader trends among top prospects prioritizing immediate professional opportunities over extended collegiate careers, potentially affecting recruitment strategies and player development timelines across college football programs.