Cam Newton blames Arch Manning for the worst QB draft class in 20 years originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cam Newton stirred debate about the upcoming NFL Draft class this week. The former NFL MVP argues that Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s decision to remain in college is a major reason the 2026 quarterback group lacks star power.
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During a recent 4th & 1 podcast, Newton discussed draft prospects and called the 2026 quarterback class “the worst in the last two decades,” suggesting the absence of Manning at the top of the pool has dramatically changed how evaluators view the group.
“This is the actual worst quarterback draft class in the last two decades,” Newton said. “And you want to know who’s to blame? Arch Manning.”
Newton clarified his comments were not meant as criticism of Manning’s ability, but rather the immense expectations that surrounded the Texas quarterback entering his college career. Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, was widely viewed as a generational prospect.
Newton said many expected Manning to develop into a player who combined elite athletic traits with the football intelligence associated with the Manning family name.
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With Manning’s decision to return to Texas, all of that pushed expectations into the future.
When looking at the 2026 draft pool, Newton said the quarterback group, which includes Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Miami’s Carson Beck and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, lacks a clear franchise-level prospect.
“I don’t really see a franchise quarterback,” Newton said. “I just don’t see it.”
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Newton added that Manning’s return could dramatically boost the following draft cycle. With prospects such as Manning, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Trinidad Chambliss and Julian Sayin expected to headline the 2027 class, Newton predicted it could become one of the most talented quarterback drafts in recent memory.
Anyway you stack it, the group of elite quarterbacks will be fun to watch in the 2026 college football season.
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