Arch Manning gets steady mark in CBS Sports five-star checkup

Arch Manning is still on track, at least by CBS Sports’ latest read on the much-hyped 2023 five-star class.

Cooper Petagna of CBS Sports evaluated the 32 five-star prospects from that recruiting cycle after three college seasons, sorting players by how closely their on-field careers have matched the billing they carried out of high school.

Manning, the Texas quarterback and No. 1 player in the class, landed in the “meeting expectations” group. CBS Sports noted that he struggled early last season before helping Texas close 7-1 over its final eight games, a stretch that included three victories over top-10 opponents and a Citrus Bowl win against Michigan.

The report said Manning now enters his fourth year in Austin with a roster viewed as one of the most talented in the sport, keeping both a national title run and a possible No. 1 pick path in the 2027 NFL Draft within reach.

Quarterbacks draw the spotlight

Nico Iamaleava, now at UCLA after Tennessee, was placed “in question” by CBS Sports. Petagna wrote that Iamaleava led Tennessee to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff berth as a redshirt freshman, then left for UCLA after the Volunteers did not reach an agreement to bring him back for another year.

His move to Westwood did not bring quick stability. CBS Sports said UCLA went 3-9, and coach DeShaun Foster was dismissed three games into the season. The report said Bob Chesney is now leading the Bruins, with Iamaleava still chasing steadier week-to-week play.

Dante Moore, another five-star passer, received a “meeting expectations” label. After beginning at UCLA, Moore transferred to Oregon, sat behind Dillon Gabriel, then helped the Ducks go 13-2 and reach the College Football Playoff in 2025, according to CBS Sports.

Other quarterbacks in the class were judged more harshly. Jackson Arnold, now at UNLV after stops at Oklahoma and Auburn, was listed “in question” after losing the Auburn starting job to Ashton Daniels, CBS Sports reported. Malachi Nelson, now at Syracuse after USC, Boise State and UTEP, also landed in that category after a 1-5 record as a starter at UTEP.

Several five-stars already cashed in

CBS Sports listed multiple members of the class with 2026 NFL Draft outcomes. Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa was marked as the No. 10 pick to the Giants, while Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor was listed at No. 12 to the Dolphins.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who began at Alabama, was listed as the No. 11 pick to the Cowboys. CBS Sports called him one of the most accomplished players in college football over the past three years, citing a College Football Playoff appearance in each season and a 2024 national title with the Buckeyes.

Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate was listed as the No. 4 pick to the Titans and the first wide receiver selected. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was marked as a second-round pick, No. 60 to the Titans, after starting 32 games for the Longhorns.

Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch, who began at USC, was listed as a third-round pick to the Falcons after topping 80 catches and 800 receiving yards in one season with the Bulldogs, according to CBS Sports.

Still waiting on the leap

The “in question” group also included former Alabama defensive lineman Keon Keeley, now at Notre Dame, after CBS Sports said he played fewer than 200 snaps across three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Other highly rated players still seeking a defining 2026 included Oklahoma edge rusher Adepoju Adebawore, Texas A&M defensive lineman DJ Hicks, Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Hall, Florida cornerback Cormani McClain, South Carolina receiver Nyck Harbor, Miami offensive lineman Samson Okunlola, Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson, Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins and Colorado receiver Hykeem Williams.

For some, the grades read like a warning. For others, they look more like a runway.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.