Arch Manning, Nick Saban Conspiracy Theory Goes Viral
Arch Manning, Nick Saban Conspiracy Theory Goes Viral

The Cleveland Browns may be positioning themselves for a dramatic franchise overhaul following another potentially disappointing season.
Sports media personality Colin Cowherd has suggested that the organization could pursue an ambitious combination of Texas quarterback Arch Manning and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban as part of a complete organizational reset in 2026.
“Cleveland, very likely, is going to be the worst team in the league. Nobody’s going to lose sleep with that. Arch Manning in Cleveland? The owner’s Jimmy Haslam, a huge SEC, Tennessee booster who loves headlines?” he said.
“Nick’s an SEC guy, knows the Manning family well. If Arch Manning plays well, if he plays it like a B+, A- level, he’s going No. 1 in the draft.”
This speculation stems from recent reports about Saban’s potential return to coaching after his 2024 retirement from Alabama, where he dominated the SEC for years. Manning, currently playing at Texas, is projected as a potential top pick in the NFL Draft if he maintains strong performance levels, making him an attractive target for teams seeking a franchise quarterback through the draft process.
“This is not a conspiracy theory… this story is a poorly kept secret. The Mannings, Haslem, Jimmy Sexton, Nick Saban” – Colin Cowherd on the Cleveland Browns chasing Arch Manning and Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/BzIBfBeyRM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 23, 2025
Arch Manning Can Cement Himself As Top QB With Performance In 2025
The Texas Longhorns quarterback enters the season with substantial expectations following his impressive early performances. Manning demonstrated strong fundamentals during his brief appearances, connecting on approximately 68% of his passes while maintaining ball security.
His dual-threat capabilities add another dimension to the Texas offense. Manning showed mobility in the pocket and the ability to extend plays with his legs when needed.
Key Performance Indicators for 2025:
- Consistency against elite SEC defenses
- Leadership development as full-time starter
- Decision-making under pressure
- Red zone efficiency
The college football landscape provides Manning with numerous opportunities to validate his top-tier status. Analysts have placed him among the nation’s premier quarterbacks before taking significant snaps as a starter.
Manning’s family legacy creates additional scrutiny, but his early sample size suggests he possesses the tools necessary for success. The Texas Longhorns’ offensive system appears well-suited to maximize his strengths while he continues developing as a complete quarterback.

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.