Saturday’s showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 14 Tennessee was absolutely massive, and not just for the college rankings. Ten NFL teams had representatives in Knoxville, locking in on the talent, with the Giants and Browns among those sending evaluators. This wasn’t just a regular college game, folks; this was a scouting frenzy for the future of the league.
Manning Under the Microscope: Can He Go “More Complete” Against Tennessee?
Longhorns senior quarterback Arch Manning is obviously the main draw here, the biggest name on the field from a draft perspective. After he pulled off that incredible, almost unbelievable “improbable turnaround” against Ohio State, all eyes are on him. Scouts want to see if he can deliver a more complete performance now that he is facing Tennessee. Against OSU, he put up 195 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. That’s solid, but when you’re a potential top pick, they want to see it all click, every single snap. In the most recent Bleacher Report mock draft, Manning was projected to go third overall to the New York Jets. That’s a huge spotlight to step into, even for a player with his pedigree, and it means every throw he makes is getting dissected right now.
Beyond Manning: Texas Stacked, Tennessee’s Freshman Phenomenon
Texas isn’t just about Manning, though. That team is loaded with talent that has NFL scouts buzzing. Edge-rusher Colin Simmons and wide receiver Cam Coleman are both sitting inside the top 10 on Bleacher Report’s 2027 big board. Offensive tackle Trevor Goosby, who’s ranked 27th in the Top 50, even went just two picks after Manning in that same B/R mock, heading to the Tennessee Titans. And don’t forget running back Hollywood Smothers, coming in at 43rd. That’s a serious amount of pro-level talent all on one side of the ball.
But the future isn’t just in Austin. Scouts also took the chance to get an early, firsthand look at Tennessee true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon. He might not be draft-eligible until 2029, but this kid is already making a strong impression. In the Vols’ three wins, Brandon has thrown for 552 yards and six touchdowns. A lot can change between now and the 2029 draft, no doubt about it, but Brandon is already throwing his name into the mix among the best signal-callers who will eventually be available. That’s a bold statement for a true freshman.
What this game means for these players, especially Manning, is immense. Every snap in games like these is another audition, another chance to solidify or shift their draft stock for NFL teams like the Giants and Browns who are watching their every move. The season rolls on, and these early impressions are shaping the landscape for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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