Arch Manning receives stern reminder from Longhorns star Michael Taaffe about championship hopes

Michael Taaffe opted to stay for another season with the Texas Longhorns, forgoing the 2025 NFL Draft. As the Horns gear up for a pivotal campaign, the star safety hopes his decision wasn’t in vain, sending a bold reminder to Arch Manning and his teammates.

The Longhorns have put their loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoffs in the past, focusing on getting over the hump during the upcoming campaign.

However, the wounds still linger in The Forty Acres, and the need for redemption is coursing through the Longhorns’ veins. Ahead of his final year in college football, Taaffe isn’t taking anything for granted and has made one thing clear to Manning about his decision to stay in the NCAA.

“I wanted to win the national championship before I left for the NFL. I was like, now I’m here, and I have another year to come back to win a national championship to try to go do it again,” Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe admitted, via InsideTexas. “I said I came here to win but in my last game, I lost. At the end of the day, I came here to win and that’s what I wanted to do.“

Michael Taaffe #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates with teammates after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.

Sarkisian gave the green light

Taaffe addressed his feelings with head coach Steve Sarkisian, letting him know he’d gladly return to school in Austin if they would take him during the 2025 season.

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“It all made sense with them, it all made sense with myself and the people that help me make decisions in my life and my close circle. Everything made sense to come back,” Taaffe added.

Leading by example

As key players in the secondary and defensive side of the ball declare for the NFL Draft, Taaffe is one of the most talented and respected stars returning to Austin for the 2025 NCAA campaign. The 22-year-old believes his time has come for him to command the Longhorns to, hopefully, a championship.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles in the second half while defended by Deonte Anderson #91 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

“I’m ready [to be the leader],” Taaffe said. “I don’t think I could say that two years ago when I thought I was ready, but maybe I really wasn’t. But I’m ready. I’ve always said that I’ve wanted this to kind of be somewhat ‘my team‘. I think some of the guys trust me, believe in me, and will listen to me, and that’s all you can want from a teammate perspective.”

Taaffe, Manning, and Texas will get off to a huge challenge to start the next college football season, as they will take on the Buckeyes at The Horseshoe during the opening weekend.