Ex-Cowboys Star Calls out Ryan Clark for Questioning 2026 Quarterback Draft Class’ Credibility: “Arch Manning Literally…”

Ryan Clark and Dez Bryant argue whether Arch Manning should be considered a first-round NFL draft talent or not.

Ex-Cowboys Star Calls out Ryan Clark for Questioning 2026 Quarterback Draft Class’ Credibility: “Arch Manning Literally…”

#16 Arch Manning (Image via IMAGO)

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Ryan Clark’s statement following Arch Manning’s debut as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback caught heat on social media. Many called the former NFL DB out for overreacting, including ex-Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Manning’s shot at the starting quarterback job arrived after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two years. There was much anticipation surrounding his first start.

Manning’s first opponent turned out to be the Ohio State Buckeyes. The defending CFP champions limited Manning to just one touchdown the entire game.

By the time the officials blew the final whistle, Arch Manning managed only 17 completions from 30 for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Buckeyes were marginally better but did enough to carve out a 14-7 win.

Ryan Clark bore witness to the debacle that unfolded in the home of the Buckeyes football team and tweeted his unadulterated reaction.

We might want to stop talking about people waiting on this epic 2026 quarterback draft class too!

Ryan Clark wrote

A large section of his followers could not fathom Clark’s snarky jab at Manning. Football pundit and draft guru Matt Miller advised Clark to pump the brakes on his theories.

Even former star NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant didn’t take Clark’s statement lightly.

You’re going to come back and eat these words… Don’t straddle the line..say it with your chest…You..myself..and many people who have played this game at a high level understand that development has to take its place…Arch literally plays in the junior division of the NFL. In the first game of the season..he faced the national champs… He didn’t play against any of the weaker teams where he could get his feet wet before playing a tough opponent..

Dez Bryant tweeted

The first-game jitters knocked the socks off Manning. The Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, discovered weaknesses in the Texas offensive line to restrict Manning’s natural game.

Sarkisian’s play-calling did not do the young quarterback any favors either. Manning only converted 5-of-14 third downs and 1-of-5 fourth downs.

ESPN’s Booger McFarland dove in a little more to explain Manning’s struggles.

[The Buckeyes] took away the big play; they also took away, also, the presnap reads. They showed him one look presnap and then postsnap; they showed him an entirely different look. They had a young quarterback, making his first start on the road against a three-time Super Bowl champion, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. And that’s what Arch Manning looked like.

McFarland said after the game. (H/T: On3)

Arch Manning’s Heisman odds took a big hit

Manning generated excitement through his limited outings in 2024 while deputizing for the injured Ewers. His 13 overall touchdowns in a handful of appearances were enough to convince veteran media personalities like Paul Finebaum to brand Manning as the second coming of two-time CFP champion Tim Tebow.

Ex-Cowboys Star Calls out Ryan Clark for Questioning 2026 Quarterback Draft Class' Credibility: "Arch Manning Literally…"
Arch Manning (Image via IMAGO)

The defeat in his first big test took a massive toll on the Heisman odds as well. FanDuel reported that, before the Buckeyes game, Arch Manning was the favorite to win the 2025-26 Heisman Trophy with +700 odds. It increased to +1000 shortly after the final whistle.

There’s still time for Manning to make a comeback. Texas should win its next three fixtures against San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston before facing Florida and Oklahoma in the middle of the season.

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