Arch Manning, Texas Prepare for 2026 After Year of Growth & Scrutiny
"I don't plan to pursue a career in media." – Arch Manning, SEC Media Days
While the University of Texas quarterback will graduate in December with a degree in Communication & Leadership, his focus remains squarely on the field.
Season Performance & Team Context
Texas entered the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the preseason AP poll, but the campaign was anything but smooth.
- The season opened with a 14-7 loss to Ohio State.
- A 29-21 loss to Florida dropped the team to 3-2. In that game, Manning was sacked six times.
Despite the rocky start, the Longhorns rallied. The team finished with a 10-3 record and a No. 12 ranking in the final AP poll, winning seven of their final eight games.
In his debut season as a full-time starter, Manning posted strong numbers:
- 26 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- 10 rushing touchdowns
- In the final five games: 11 touchdowns, only 1 interception
Manning performed notably better against ranked opponents, including averaging 7.4 rushing yards per carry against Top 25 teams.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged that Manning faced criticism from national pundits during his early struggles. Sarkisian noted that Manning has learned from the experience and is now surrounded by strong players.
The team's early offensive challenges were partly attributed to injuries to running backs CJ Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner.
Looking ahead, Texas has reloaded via the transfer portal, adding:
- Wide receiver Cam Coleman
- Running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown
- Three offensive linemen
- Four defensive starters for new coordinator Will Muschamp
Additionally, five-star cornerback commitment John Meredith will join the program this fall after reclassifying.
Media Scrutiny & Family Perspective
Cooper Manning, Arch's father and the eldest son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, discussed the intense media attention surrounding his son.
"Being a parent of an athlete under constant public scrutiny presents challenges." – Cooper Manning
Publications including The Athletic and The Ringer published critical analyses of Manning's early season play. Cooper stated he chose to disengage from certain media discussions during the period of heightened criticism.
He observed that critics often prematurely judge quarterbacks and may lack understanding of position development requirements, citing Bo Nix as an example of a player who improved over his college career. He characterized rapid judgments about player performance as "silly" and predicted a cyclical pattern of hype and criticism for Arch Manning.
Cooper attributed the team's initial performance to the number of new starters and significant turnover on the offensive line and at receiver positions. He identified the Red River Rivalry game against No. 6 Oklahoma as a turning point, where Arch Manning completed 21 of 27 passes without turnovers in a 23-6 victory.
Personal Development & Team Chemistry
Cooper Manning expressed satisfaction with his son's handling of the season's challenges, noting that Manning displayed resilience and confidence during difficult periods. He stated that Arch Manning experienced significant personal and athletic growth, learning to trust coaching and avoid overthinking his play.
Sarkisian emphasized building team chemistry earlier in the offseason, starting in February, after reflecting on the previous season's challenges. Manning hosted teammates in New Orleans for his grandfather's birthday and participated in a team scavenger hunt. Manning stated that his focus remains on being a good teammate and winning games.
Cooper Manning highlighted that constant public photography and filming—a challenge not faced by previous Manning generations—has become a routine aspect of Arch Manning's life.
The Road Ahead
Expectations for Texas and Manning are projected to increase for the 2026 season, with the team receiving significant votes for a national championship and Manning for the Heisman Trophy.
The family's message to Manning remains consistent with advice given since his high school career: encouraging hard work, positive conduct, enjoyment of the game, and acceptance of outcomes.