“The players in that locker room love him. I mean, he’s a guy’s guy,” Sarkisian said to On3. “That was always the thing that I was on him about, and I love this about Arch, but I would say, ‘You need to go lead. You’re the leader.’ He would say, ‘I just don’t feel like I’ve earned it yet.’

“That’s important to him, that he earns everything he gets. But the players were the ones building him up to go lead. They wanted to follow him, and the moment he did, you could see a difference in our team.”

Growing stronger step by step

Being part of a legacy like the Mannings—with stars such as Eli and Peyton—is no easy task. Arch faced excessive criticism and opinions during his debut as QB1 at Texas, but his coach insists he rose to the occasion.

“Ninety-nine percent of kids would have melted last year if they had to endure what he endured, and all Arch did was get stronger,” Sarkisian told On3’s Chris Low.

Improving on his previous season

After a historic 2025 campaign with the Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning enters the 2026 season as the Heisman frontrunner. Last year, he shattered expectations by throwing for 4,103 yards and 38 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions, leading Texas to a dominant 13–1 record.

Boasting an elite 68.4% completion rate, Manning is now focused on improving his mobility after recording 312 rushing yards and 5 scores on the ground. With a veteran core of playmakers returning, he is poised to elevate his dual-threat production even further within Steve Sarkisian’s high-powered system.

What will Manning do with his future?

Although Arch Manning is eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, the 2026 season may not necessarily be his last at the collegiate level. Currently a redshirt junior, Manning technically holds an additional year of eligibility for 2027 due to his redshirt status in 2023 and limited snaps in 2024.

While he is widely projected as a potential number one overall pick, his family has historically prioritized completing four full years of college development before turning pro. Ultimately, whether he declares for the draft or returns to Austin for a final season will depend on his performance this year and his desire to follow the seasoned path set by his uncles, Peyton and Eli.

“For Arch, the progress has been on par with where he should be,” Sarkisian admitted, via On3. “He was throwing the ball today. Threw it really well. You know, we’ll gradually work him back in again. I’m not in a rush.”

In college football, every rep counts. Still, the Longhorns can afford to take their sweet time with Manning. In the meantime, Texas can focus on developing the rest of the quarterbacks in the program. These include Karle Lacey Jr. (redshirt freshman), Dia Bell (true freshman), MJ Morris (senior), and Luke Dunham (sophomore).

With Arch projected to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, and teams like the Cleveland Browns remaining interested in Manning, all signs indicate Bell—a five star recruit out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida—will be the quarterback of the future at The Forty Acres.

Manning’s offseason surgery

As Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, admitted, the Longhorns’ signal-caller played through a foot injury during the entire 2025 NCAA season. As reported by CBS Sports, the injury to his foot was sustained in 2024’s Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies.

After receiving treatment and therapy for the ailment, Manning—in agreement with the University of Texas at Austin’s medical staff—decided it was best to nip the problem in the bud. Manning is now limited as the Longhorns start their spring practices, but that’s a reasonable price to pay rather than have their star quarterback feeling uneasy and shy of 100% come fall.

If Texas’ season goes as the burnt orange hopes, the Horns should play meaningful games in the winter. Thus, if Manning slings fewer footballs in March and April, it’s really nothing to stress about.

Coming into the year, Manning, Sarkisian, and Texas expected to compete for a National Championship come January. However, the Longhorns will see their season end before the ball drops in Times Square to ring in 2026. Needless to say, this isn’t how anyone in Austin expected the campaign to turn out. Now, it’s time to address certain areas and regroup. On that note, an assistant coach on Sarkisian’s staff has been relieved of his duties, as reported by Inside Texas.

Assistant coach Chad Scott’s time with the Longhorns was short-lived. The 44-year-old had been hired by Texas in February 2025 to be the program’s running backs coach. Less than one year after, he has been shown the exit door at The Forty Acres.

Last season, Scott had been named the interim head coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Scott had spent five NCAA seasons with the school in Morgantown, serving as co-offensive coordinator, run-game coordinator, offensive coordinator, and running backs coach.

Texas’ run game struggled under Scott

There are several signs that help paint a clear picture on why Scott has now been fired by Texas. Redshirt sophomore CJ Baxter opting to enter the transfer portal may as well be one of them. However, it doesn’t end there.

Through 12 games in the 2025 NCAA campaign, the Longhorns have registered a total of 1,556 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns—both marks are the lowest since Sarkisian took over as head coach ahead of the 2021 season. Moreover, the fact that Manning was the team’s second-place rushing leader with 244 yards on the ground can’t be overlooked. It was the first time in Sarkisian’s Texas tenure that the Longhorns had a quarterback finish among the rushing podium.

Some may make the case that the Longhorns’ low rushing totals are a consequence of the SEC being a pass-first environment. But Texas still ranks among the bottom-five in the conference in average rushing yards per game—129.67 yards on average—only standing above LSU, South Carolina, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

Rumor mill around Texas’ next RB coach

Though still a long way out from the 2026 college football season, Sarkisian and Texas would like to fill the vacant spot on the staff as soon as possible. On that note, several reports have emerged naming potential candidates to replace Scott at the RB coach position. One name gaining significant traction as of late is former Florida Gators running backs coach and associate head coach Jabbar Juluke.

Although the Gators’ rushing stats from the past season are far from mind-blowing, the ground game’s struggles can also be credited to the overall chaos that characterized Florida’s year. Most importantly, the inconsistent passing offense frequently took the wind out of the running attack’s sails. When the opposing defense has nothing to fear through the air, it’s much easier to stack the box and neutralize the ground game.

Still, despite the offensive woes, Juluke has shown great ability in helping Jadan Baugh blossom into a star in college football. After Texas watched Baxter enter the portal, the Horns could have great use for a coach who can help star talents reach their full potential. Needless to say, Manning and the offense would greatly benefit from having a bona fide RB1.

Many fans in Austin are still upset about Manning and the Longhorns not playing in the College Football Playoff. However, others have seemingly made their peace with that fact. On that note, some players on the program are now looking to make the best decision for their careers in the NCAA.

On that note, quarterback Trey Owens has decided it’s best for him to search for a fresh start in college football. The former four-star quarterback recruit out of Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas, has now told Sarkisian and company he plans to enter the NCAA’s transfer portal, as reported by On3.

Wasn’t to be for Owens in Texas

A five-hour drive separates Cypress from Austin. For a kid born and raised in the Lone Star State, playing for the Texas Longhorns was a dream come true. However, Owens could never establish himself at The Forty Acres.

A member of the 2024 recruiting class, Owens was behind Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning on the depth chart during his freshman season. He registered two appearances during his first year in college football, but that was about it. Following the arrival of Troy transfer Matthew Caldwell prior to the 2025 NCAA season, Owens’ playing opportunities shrunk even further. As a result, he never stepped on the field in the 2025 campaign.

Owens is making his decision before Manning confirms his

Ahead of the 2026 campaign, Manning is expected to stay in college. But even if the heir to football’s royal QB family surprisingly declared for the Draft, the arrival of five-star quarterback Dia Bell would mean Owens would have to start from behind to compete for the starting job again.

Instead, the redshirt freshman is opting to transfer to a new program for his sophomore season. Owens will have three years of eligibility remaining in college football.

But what were the main reasons Steve Sarkisian and his Longhorns missed out on the playoffs? Primarily their record, which included three losses — a significant factor at this stage — with the defeat against the Gators perhaps carrying the greatest weight in the final decision.

Manning’s first season as a starting quarterback unfortunately fell short of the desired results. As for his performance, the ups and downs were constant, making it an area he will need to work on moving forward.

From now on, the Longhorns will need to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and further strengthen their strengths. The transfer portal could present an excellent opportunity to boost the roster even more in preparation for next season.

The College Football Playoffs know their contenders

Following the weekend’s conference championships, the CFP final rankings and bracket revealed the 12 teams competing for the national title in the newly expanded playoff format. The four highest-ranked conference champions—Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech—all earned a crucial first-round bye week.

The initial four-game slate of the expanded playoff features several compelling matchups: the No. 5 seed Oregon will host JMU, perennial contenders Alabama and Oklahoma will clash, the Group of Five champion Tulane takes on Ole Miss, and the weekend is rounded out by Miami battling Texas A&M. These games mark the official start of the road to the National Championship.

The biggest absences

While the 12-team field is packed with contenders, the initial bracket revealed several significant omissions from college football’s elite. Most notably, traditional powerhouse Notre Dame missed the cut entirely, failing to secure an at-large bid after a challenging regular season.

Additionally, BYU Cougars and even dark-horse consideration Vanderbilt Commodores finished too far down the final rankings to secure a spot. Their absence underscores the intense competition and high bar set by the expanded playoff system, leaving several established programs watching the initial rounds from home.

Yesterday’s win marked the ninth victory of the season for a Longhorns team that is legitimately staking a claim for a spot in the upcoming Playoffs. Leading the charge for this claim was their own coach, in postgame remarks.

“It would be a disservice to our sport if this team is not a playoff team,” Sarkisian firmly stated. Can Arch Manning secure a spot in the postseason? That remains to be seen. But the performance he showed last night would certainly justify his presence at that stage.

Arch Manning’s big night

Arch Manning delivered a pivotal performance in the Texas Longhorns’ 27-17 upset over the undefeated, #3 ranked Texas A&M Aggies last night. Although he struggled through the air early, Manning came alive in the second half, finishing with 232 total yards of offense and two crucial touchdowns.

He threw a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give Texas the lead, and then sealed the victory in the fourth with a decisive 35-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat ability when the game was on the line.

Can the Longhorns make the Playoffs?

Following their crucial 27-17 upset victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, the Texas Longhorns significantly boosted their chances for a College Football Playoff berth.

With a final record of 9-3, the Longhorns now have a marquee win over a top-tier opponent, which is vital for their resume. However, since the Longhorns did not qualify for the Big 12 Championship Game, their path to the Playoff is now entirely dependent on receiving an at-large bid.

They must hope their record, featuring the impressive win over the Aggies, is strong enough to keep them ranked high enough (likely in the top 12) to earn one of the remaining non-conference champion spots.

Manning’s progress week after week is evident. It’s clear not only on the field but also in his stats at the end of each game. His coach, the player’s main advocate, revealed what has surprised him the most so far.

“I think the thing I’m probably most impressed with is his poise,” Sarkisian said to the press. “He feels different in pre-game than he did two months ago. Even in the moments tonight when things broke down a little bit, he just seems so under control as he was avoiding the rush and keeping his eyes downfield.”

After a solid 52–37 home victory over the Razorbacks, the Longhorns are dreaming of making the best possible run to the CFP—and why not, aiming for a spot in the highly coveted National Championship Game.

A remarkable progress

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has turned a corner this season, showcasing significant development that has elevated the entire offense. Over his last four games, Manning has demonstrated remarkable efficiency and command, logging an impressive 11-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

This newfound consistency has dramatically improved his deep-ball effectiveness; he has averaged 8.6 yards per attempt across his last 152 throws (totaling 1,314 yards), a notable increase over his 7.7 yards per attempt average from the first seven games.

This progression proves that the sophomore is not only protecting the football but is also consistently attacking downfield, becoming the dynamic passer the Longhorns need as they enter the final stretch of the schedule.

What’s next for the Longhorns?

The Texas Longhorns face their final and most emotionally charged hurdle of the regular season this Friday, November 28th, as they host the Texas A&M Aggies in the renewal of the historic Lone Star Showdown rivalry.

This annual grudge match, now back on the schedule with Texas joining the SEC, is more than just a regular-season finale; it is a battle for state bragging rights and a critical opportunity to build momentum heading into the conference championship weekend and the College Football Playoff debate.

The Longhorns (7-3, 4-2 SEC) have been under much duress in 2025. With their backs against the wall, the Horns know their margin for error has now become nonexistent. Instead, it’s sink or swim for Manning and company. With two games left on the schedule, Texas must win out and wait for other results in order to hold on to any hope of making the College Football Playoffs.

Amid such a dramatic NCAA season, several reports have emerged indicating Sarkisian might be on the hot seat. However, the head coach in Austin has now addressed the rumors with a straightforward message for Manning and company to listen to.

“People reporting or insinuating that there’s a possibility I could leave the University of Texas — that’s absolutely false and untrue. I am not going anywhere,” Steve Sarkisian admitted during the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday, via On Texas Football.

Down goes Texas

With just weeks left in the 2025 NCAA campaign, the CFP Committee will have a tough time deciding the 12 programs who will be competing for college football’s glory in January. However, after the deflating loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, the Longhorns knew they’d be going down the rankings.

As the CFP Committee announced its latest rankings, Texas has slid down to the 17th position—previously sitting at 10th. Now, the odds of making the postseason have taken a big toll for the Longhorns. The burnt orange must win out in its last two outings—against the Arkansas Razorbacks (Nov. 22) and Texas A&M Aggies (Nov. 28).

Lone Star Showdown shaping up to be decisive

Barring a disaster, Manning and the Longhorns should defeat the 2-8 (0-6 SEC) Razorbacks at DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. If Texas fails to win against Arkansas, then their season will truly be over, with nothing left to play for but the Lone Star Showdown and a bowl game to close out the year. However, if Texas does take care of business against Arkansas, then the matchup with Texas A&M becomes truly pivotal.

“We have an opportunity at the end of the regular season to do something that nobody’s done since 2019, and that’s beat three top-10 ranked teams in the regular season,” Sarkisian told reporters earlier this week.

If the Longhorns defeat the Aggies during the NCAA’s Rivalry Week, they will add it to their collection of top-10 wins, joining their triumphs over No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 9 Vanderbilt. That is what the Longhorns are holding on to, as it could be the statistic that convinces the Committee they belong in the College Football Playoff.

The elephant in the room is impossible to overlook for Manning and the Longhorns. Losing to Georgia in embarrassing fashion once again was far from what Texas expected in the 2025 college football season. The saying is proving to be true: the more things change, the more they stay the same. For the Longhorns, the Dawgs have proven to be a hurdle they can’t get past.

However, it’s not worth crying over spilled milk. Instead, Manning and the Longhorns must change the tune as they gear up to host the Razorbacks. On that note, Sarkisian delivered a firm message on what Arkansas brings to the table.

“[Arkansas’] record is not indicative of the way these guys have been playing,” Sarkisian admitted per Inside Texas. “They’ve played four road games. They’ve lost by a combined 11 points on the road, most recently they lost 23-22 at LSU. Very tight ballgames. They’ve got a very explosive offense, who can run it, who can throw it. They pose a ton of challenges for us.”

Lesson learned for Manning and Texas

Sarkisian made sure to remind his players not to judge a book by its cover—or in this case, a program by its record. Just like the Longhorns believe they are better than what their 7-3 (4-2 SEC) record shows, Arkansas may not be an ‘average Joe’ with its 2-8 (0-6 conference) mark in the 2025 NCAA season.

Plus, Texas has already had its fair share of struggles against SEC schools that should’ve had no business being competitive if it were for their record. The Longhorns lost to Florida, and barely squeaked past Kentucky and Mississippi State—all of whom combine for a 5-16 record against league opponents.

If Manning and the Longhorns have learned their lesson, they should come out firing on Saturday, when the Razorbacks take the field at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Anything short of a convincing victory over the only winless program in the Southeastern Conference would effectively end Manning and company’s hopes of making the 12-team College Football Playoffs.

The offense led by Arch Manning had a particular Achilles’ heel last weekend, and it was precisely the ground game. In fact, this is a point the coach emphasized they need to focus on moving forward.

According to Anwar Richardson of Yahoo Sports, Sarkisian made it clear during his Monday press conference that he and his players will need to find a way to run the ball more effectively to challenge opposing defenses.

“Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said at the end of the day, they have to be better at running the ball, and they have to find a way to do that,” the insider reported via his X account.

The Texas ground attack has struggled significantly in the 2025 season, managing a lackluster 124.2 rushing yards per game, which places them at a disappointing 97th nationally.

Bouncing back from the blow in Georgia

Following a stinging defeat by the Bulldogs, the Texas Longhorns must immediately regroup as they face a critical two-game home stand to salvage their season. The journey for redemption begins at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium against the fierce Arkansas Razorbacks, a major rivalry clash.

This precedes a highly anticipated, season-defining matchup against their bitter rivals, the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns need two strong performances in Austin to regain momentum and keep their diminished playoff hopes alive.

The phrase ‘Any given Satudary’ might sound as a cliché, but it’s still true in the NCAA. As Manning and the Longhorns gear up for a series of decisive showdowns in college football, Sarkisian made something clear to them about the competition they will be going up against.

Texas knows its season is on the line as it walks into Sanford Stadium. Facing the Georgia Bulldogs is not for the faint of heart, and beating them in Athens is a task reserved for college football’s elite. Manning, Sarkisian, and company believe the Longhorns can be just that—but they’ll have to prove it. Saturday’s clash in The Peach State might be the perfect chance to do so—and to silence the critics once and for all. However, if there’s something Sarkisian knows, it’s that anything can happen on the gridiron.

“This conference is grueling,” Sarkisian admitted, via On Texas Football. “Literally anybody in our conference – it doesn’t matter who they are – can beat anybody else in our conference on any given Saturday. That is what makes our conference so difficult. It’s a great league to be a part of, it is challenging but you have to grow up and have to grow up quickly.”

First time Texas visits Georgia in Athens

Though the Longhorns and Bulldogs have met seven times in college football history—with two games played in Atlanta—the two sides have never played in Athens. When Manning and Texas walk into a hostile environment in Athens, it will be the first time the burnt orange pays a visit to The Classic City.

For both schools, it’s an unsurpassable opportunity to make a statement in the NCAA. Georgia is 8-1 (6-1 in the SEC), so a win over Texas would virtually punch its ticket to the College Football Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Longhorns (7-2, 4-1 SEC) must win out to stay alive, as another loss to a direct opponent could be all she wrote for Manning, Sarkisian, and company.

Saturday’s showdown has all the ingredients for an instant classic, with the eyes of the nation fixed on the action at Sanford Stadium. In more ways than one, the NCAA landscape will come into sharper focus after the game. Will Manning and the Longhorns survive another setback against a top-tier opponent? Or will Georgia drop yet another crucial contest at home? Those questions won’t be answered until Saturday night.