The first weekend of October still feels early in the college football season, but NFL Draft hopefuls are quickly running out of chances to impress scouts and GMs.

What’d we learn about a few high-profile prospects — and some potential sleepers — during Week 6? Our draft experts, Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner, take a look.

1. Texas now has two losses, and Arch Manning is still struggling. How close are we to turning the page and talking about Manning as a 2027 draft prospect?

Dane Brugler: Consider the page turned. Manning isn’t a 2026 NFL Draft prospect. He is a 2027 — or 2028 — prospect.

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Manning showed signs of progress in Saturday’s loss to Florida. His third-quarter touchdown toss was a great example of his ability to shuffle away from pressure with his eyes elevated to hit his receiver in stride. The way he kept plays alive with his legs helped Texas stay in the game until the final seconds, but the positive moments are still too sporadic.

The offensive line had trouble blocking Florida’s four-man rush, and the run game offered very little relief. Manning was often tardy with his decisions, and when he did find his read, he often rushed his process and fired an inaccurate pass. When your quarterback isn’t anticipating or seeing the field on time and the pass protection falls apart prematurely, the result is what you’re seeing from the Texas offense.

As with any college quarterback with single-digit career starts and an inconsistent supporting cast, any reaction to Manning’s play shouldn’t be an obituary. Development is guaranteed, but it is clear that Manning isn’t ready to be seriously talked about as a 2026 NFL Draft prospect.

Nick Baumgardner: In reality, I think we’ve been there since before the season started.

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