It happened again, folks. For the fourth year in a row, a quarterback went No. 1 in the NFL Draft, making it ten times in the last twelve years. Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders this year, so now everyone’s wondering if 2027 will make it five straight. Right now, Arch Manning is the early favorite to keep that QB streak alive, sitting pretty at +145 odds to be the top pick, according to FanDuel Sportsbook as of September 23. This kid’s got the name, and he is playing like he wants to carry on that legacy, big time.
Arch Manning: Carrying the Name, Torch, and Odds
This Manning kid, man. His grandpa Archie went second in ’71, his uncle Peyton first in ’98, and his other uncle Eli first in ’04. Talk about pressure! But Arch is stepping up. He started for Texas last season, throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 TDs, and seven picks, completing 61.4% of his passes. What’s wild is how he flipped the switch: five picks in the first five games, then just two in the final eight while tossing 15 TDs. Texas went 7-1 in those last eight, including a 221-yard, two-TD performance in their bowl win over Michigan. This season, through just three games, he’s already got 661 passing yards, seven TDs, and is completing 61.5% of his throws. The kicker? He led Texas to a massive comeback victory over Ohio State in Week 2. That’s the kind of performance that puts you on everyone’s radar. He’s got another huge test this Saturday, heading to Tennessee to face the Vols. This dude is built for the spotlight.
Trinidad Chambliss: “Winnidad” Surges After Big Win
Hold up, we gotta talk about Trinidad Chambliss too! This sixth-year senior has absolutely blown up the odds board, rocketing from +4000 all the way to +650 for the No. 1 pick. What happened? He just led Ole Miss to a huge 32-24 win over his former coach, Lane Kiffin, and LSU. That’s a statement game, if I ever saw one. Through three games in 2026, “Winnidad” is completing a ridiculous 70% of his passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. Not only that, he’s added two rushing scores and is showing off some highlight-reel mobility. The guy is 14-2 as Ole Miss’s starter over the last two years. That kind of winning pedigree and raw production is going to make teams salivate.
Could a Wideout Crash the QB Party?
Now, most of us expect a QB to go first, right? But what if Jeremiah Smith breaks the mold? He’s tied for fourth on the odds board at +800, and honestly, he’s making a super strong case as the best player in college football. This dude isn’t just good, he’s dominant. In Ohio State’s Week 1 win over Ball State, he snagged eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Then he followed that up with another eight catches for 164 yards and a score against “the Buc.” That’s elite production from a wideout. Could he be the one to buck the trend? It’d be wild, but this guy is certainly forcing the conversation.
So, as we watch this 2027 Draft class start to take shape, it’s clear the QB battle is already heating up. Arch Manning has a massive road test at Tennessee this Saturday, a chance to solidify his top spot. Trinidad Chambliss is riding high after a huge win. And then you’ve got Jeremiah Smith out here proving a wide receiver can absolutely be in the conversation for No. 1. It’s early, but the stakes are already sky-high for these college stars. We’re watching history unfold, and it’s gonna be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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