The quarterback situation remains in question for the Indianapolis Colts. With that said, they could choose to tank the 2025 season and improve their chances of drafting Texas’ Arch Manning.
Manning might be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some people consider him a generational quarterback prospect. Clint Brewster of CBS Sports wrote that he’s the most talented signal-caller in his family:
“Arch Manning has more talent and ability than any of the Manning family members who played quarterback. His style is more similar to Archie for those who remember, but he has more structure as a pocket passer.”
That’s a huge compliment, knowing that he’s a part of the greatest quarterback family ever. His grandfather, Archie, and his uncles, Peyton and Eli, all played in the NFL.
Peyton knows a thing or two about the Colts. He, of course, was drafted first overall by the team in 1998. The former Tennessee star is easily Indy’s “G.O.A.T.” He played 13 seasons with the team and led them to a Super Bowl victory. It would be crazy if Arch follows in Uncle Peyton’s footsteps and goes to Indianapolis.
Should the Colts Tank to Land Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Remembering the “Suck for Luck” Campaign
The 2011 season was a horrible one for the Colts. Peyton Manning missed the entire year due to injury. As a result, Curtis Painter, Dan Orlovsky, and Kerry Collins each started at least three games at quarterback.
Colts fans started the “Suck for Luck” campaign. They wanted the team to lose as many games as possible to draft Andrew Luck. And those fans would get their wish. Indianapolis finished with a 2-14 record and received the top pick in the 2012 draft. They drafted Luck and passed up fellow quarterback Robert Griffin II, who went to Washington second overall.
The Colts sucked for Luck. But should they blow up their roster and “Tank for Arch” next season?
Would “Tanking for Arch” Be Silly?
We haven’t seen much of Arch Manning in college. The New Orleans native has only played 11 games at Texas. He has served as the backup to starter Quinn Ewers. Manning, though, has looked impressive when he plays such as his 67-yard touchdown run and a 75-yard touchdown pass.
But no, the Colts should not tank for Arch Manning. First off, there’s no guarantee that he’ll declare for the 2026 draft. Some people feel that he’ll leave in 2027 instead.
Also, the Manning family might not let Arch go to Indianapolis after what the team did to his uncle. The Colts released Peyton in 2012 so they could draft Luck. Peyton got the last laugh, though, as he won another Super Bowl ring and an NFL MVP award with the Denver Broncos. However, the Colts did him wrong by giving up on him because of injuries.
Indy already has a young quarterback to build around in Anthony Richardson. The fourth overall pick in 2023 has had a roller-coaster career so far. He has been bitten hard by the injury bug and possesses accuracy issues. Yet, Richardson is super-athletic and could eventually develop into a megastar.
Right now, the Colts need to focus on developing Richardson. But if he never progresses and the team gets in a position to draft Arch Manning, they should certainly take him.
Main Image: Sara Diggins – USA Today Sports
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