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Robert Griffin III: Indianapolis Colts 'trying to tank for Arch Manning' after Daniel Jones decision

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz08/19/25NickSchultz_7
Robert Griffin III
Kirby Lee | Imagn Images

Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback competition came to an end. Daniel Jones will be the starter for Week 1, meaning Anthony Richardson will serve as the primary backup.

The battle drew plenty of attention after Indianapolis brought in Jones to compete with Richardson this offseason. However, FOX Sports analyst Robert Griffin III said he thinks the Colts could be turning their attention toward Texas quarterback Arch Manning.

Shortly after news broke that Jones won the starting job, Griffin said he is “convinced” the Colts are “trying to tank” for Manning. As questions swirl about whether the Texas quarterback will even declare for this year’s draft, he later clarified that he meant whether Manning goes out for 2026 or 2027

Manning continues to draw plenty of attention at Texas ahead of his first full season as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. He’s listed as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at +600, according to BetMGM.

However, there’s plenty of speculation about when Manning will declare for the draft. ESPN gave him a 10% chance of going No. 1 overall should he opt to enter after this season.

The former top recruit said during SEC Media Days he’s staying in the moment and not worrying about his draft decision just yet. But during an interview with Texas Monthly, his grandfather Archie heavily implied Arch Manning would be back at Texas in 2026 despite being draft-eligible this year.

Arch received a question about his grandfather’s comments Tuesday and reiterated his desire to stay in the moment. His goal is to stay “day by day” ahead of the season opener against Ohio State.

“Yeah I don’t know where he got that from,” Manning said. “He texted me and apologized about that. I’m really just taking it day by day right now.”

Arch Manning spent two years in a backup role at Texas after arriving as the top recruit from the 2023 cycle. All told, he has played in 12 games, including 10 appearances last year while serving as Quinn Ewers’ primary backup. Manning has 969 career passing yards and nine touchdowns to go with 115 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

In fact, there’s a sense in the NFL that there’s a strong chance Manning returns to Texas in 2026. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said as much last month when asked about the Longhorns quarterback.

“I think, if you know the Manning family, I would bet that – and I don’t know Arch at all. I’d bet he stays in college two years,” Haslam said. “I don’t even think that’s worth discussing.”