Three Predictions: SMU, Arch Manning, Mississippi State
Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman has three predictions on SMU getting a top offensive target, Arch Manning‘s 2026 plans and an SEC program landing a four-star quarterback.
SMU WILL LAND FOUR-STAR RB
Four-star running back Izaya Lee has crossed off official visits to Utah and Arizona State in the last week and is now down to SMU, Kansas and Kansas State. The electric back out of Lancaster (Texas) High continues to lean toward the Mustangs, who have gotten the in-state target on campus far and away more than any other contender left in the mix. I logged a Rivals FutureCast with sky-high confidence in this one.
ARCH MANNING WILL RETURN TO TEXAS IN 2026
Mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft are already cluttering everyone’s social media timelines. One of the biggest hold-ups in examining a 2026 mock is whether the draft-eligible juniors will or won’t declare. For example, Will Campbell elected to return for his senior season and improved his stock as a result.
Arch Manning is a popular name tossed around at or near the top of 2026 mock drafts, but there is a strong sense that the Longhorns’ starting QB this season remains in Austin beyond his junior season. I know that nothing is locked in this early in the process, but Manning loves Texas and is bracing for his first year as the Longhorns’ starter. Texas is a strong championship contender – again – and whether the Longhorns win or come close under Manning, there is already more reason to believe No. 16 will lean toward remaining in school.
BRODIE MCWHORTER WILL BECOME A BULLDOG
Brodie McWhorter is down to Colorado, Indiana and Mississippi State and will reveal his commitment today. The four-star QB from Georgia has made multiple visits out to both Bloomington and Starkville since the end of his junior season, including three visits back to Indiana and Mississippi State with two stops at Colorado along the way.
The Hoosiers have been pressing for an early commitment, but multiple multi-day stops back at Mississippi State have moved the needle tremendously for this family. McWhorter feels like a culture fit in Starkville – and our expectation is that he pledges to State during his Thursday announcement.
