“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.

“Absolutely, yep. I mean, he’s got to have a good year, but yeah,” Tony Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland when asked if Browns and Jimmy Haslam are still interested in the quarterback.

Cleveland is in the midst of a rebuilding process. With a new head coach at the helm and Shedeur Sanders leading the way, it doesn’t sound far-fetched for the Browns to focus even beyond this season.

What would a “good year” look like for Manning?

In his first full season as the Texas Longhorns‘ starter in 2025, Arch Manning delivered an impressive performance by throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions over 13 games. He also showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for 399 yards and 10 additional scores, leading Texas to a 10-3 record and a victory in the Citrus Bowl.

While these numbers established him as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, a “good year” in 2026 would mean taking the next step by improving his completion percentage and total yardage. Most importantly, Manning‘s primary goal will be to stay healthy and avoid the minor injuries that have sidelined him in the past to ensure he is available for a potential College Football Playoff run.

With Shedeur at the helm

The Browns are entering the 2026 season with a completely new look under head coach Todd Monken. The quarterback room is headlined by Shedeur Sanders, who is currently the frontrunner to start after taking over the job late last year.

He will compete with Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick from 2025 who started six games but struggled with efficiency and a late-season concussion. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson returns as the veteran presence following two Achilles surgeries, though he is widely considered to be on his final chance with the franchise.

“NIL didn’t play a big factor for me. I honestly just want to win,” Smothers admitted about his transfer to Texas, via On3. “I feel like we are in the best position to go win it all with the talent and depth at Texas.”

With most signs indicating that Manning will play his final year of college football in 2026, all eyes are fixed on Texas and its quarterback to deliver before heading to the NFL. Still, Manning could opt to return to Austin in 2027 before declaring for the 2028 Draft.

Smothers and Manning lead Texas’ backfield in 2026

Like Manning, Smothers will be entering the 2026 NCAA season with two years of eligibility remaining. That means the star running back will have two more opportunities to chase the national title.

Under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian and surrounded by one of — if not the best — supporting cast in the nation, the NC State transfer half-back has all the confidence in the world that he can walk away from college football as a national champion.

However, all the confidence and talk surrounding the Longhorns can translate into added pressure for Manning and a program that feels the weight add up on their shoulders.

Pressure is on Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and the expectations set on the school in The Forty Acres is no exception. Perhaps, Manning and company have learned their lesson from 2025. But they will have to prove it when taking on an unforgiving schedule in 2026 that won’t even give Texas any time to catch its breath.

According to a report by Kirk Bohls on his X account, the quarterback underwent minor foot surgery this week “as a preventative measure to address a previous injury,” meaning his participation in the offseason will be limited.

While this situation does not threaten Manning’s playing time once the season begins, the setback may delay his return to the field to get fully up to speed with his teammates from day one.

Bohls also added that other members of the Longhorns‘ roster will undergo surgery: DB Xavier Filsaime (shoulder), LT Trevor Goosby (shoulder), WR Emmett Mosley V (ankle), LB Ty’Anthony Smith (shoulder), and WR Ryan Wingo (wrist).

Getting ready for the next College Football season

The Texas Longhorns are looking to bolster their backcourt with veteran leadership, and rumors are swirling that Arch Manning could be joined by key Indiana national champion guard Bray Lynch.

After playing a pivotal role in the Hoosiers’ recent title run, Lynch’s potential move through the transfer portal would provide the Longhorns with an elite floor general and a proven winner.

His championship pedigree and defensive tenacity are exactly what Steve Sarkisian—who has been increasingly involved in cross-sport recruiting strategies—and the staff believe can elevate the roster to a true contender status.

Indiana is witnessing several key members enter the transfer portal in college football. In addition to losing Fernando Mendoza successor after the 2026 National Championship, the Hoosiers could be waving goodbye to a key member of the offensive line.

Consequently, Manning and the Longhorns could land a key reinforcement to protect the heir of football’s royal quarterback family. According to reports, Indiana guard Bray Lynch is considering a transfer to the University of Texas in Austin.

“Multiple sources leading up to the game this weekend said that [Lynch] wants to come back home to Texas for his final season of eligibility,” as reported by Hook’Em Headlines.

Lynch’s background

A three-star recruit out of Austin Westlake High School in the class of 2022, Lynch has spent his entire college football career at Indiana. He arrived in Bloomington in June 2022, time before Curt Cignetti—who signed in November 2023—took over and completely changed the narrative around the program.

If he chooses to stay for another year in college football, Lynch would be a redshirt senior. Moreover, he could complete a uniquely Austin-bred quarterback gauntlet, having played alongside five-star recruit Cade Klubnik in high school and potentially joining Manning in what could be the final NCAA season for both players.

Lynch is a cornerstone of Indiana football

According to CBS Sports, Lynch had logged 1,935 snaps for the Hoosiers prior to the 2026 National Championship. Indiana ran 72 offensive snaps in the title game, meaning Lynch could now have taken the field as many as 2,007 times for the Hoosiers.

Now, Lynch is weighing his options between staying at Indiana, transferring to his hometown school, or declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. With Arch Manning and a roster built to contend for a title next season, Lynch may be inclined to fulfill a childhood dream by playing at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and becoming a Longhorn before going pro.

While acquiring Seaton would secure the starting tackle positions for him and Trevor Goosby in 2026, the Longhorns are playing the long game. On that note, and looking beyond the upcoming NCAA season—which will most likely be Manning’s last in Texas and college football.

On that note, the Longhorns have snagged a key talent away from their rivals, the Aggies. “Texas A&M true freshman transfer OT Jonte Newman has committed to Texas,” as reported by On3.

What Texas fans need to know about latest OT signing

Newman was ranked as a four-star prospect coming out of Bridgeland High School in Cypress, Texas. The home-state talent will now remain in the Lone Star State, but instead moving to Austin after playing only a handful of snaps during his true freshman year at College Station.

Newman joins Manning and the Longhorns with four years of eligibility remaining. The 6’4” talent has struggled to be fit in his freshman campaign, so that will be one key aspect for Steev Sarkisian and company to work on as Texas enters the 2026 season with the National Championship right in its crosshairs.

When does transfer portal close?

For teams who failed to make the College Football Playoffs—ahem, Texas and Colorado—the transfer portal window runs from January 2-16. This means Seaton is bound to make a decision in the coming hours, as his future is reportedly between the Texas Longhorns and Oregon Ducks.

With Oregon in the race, Texas is at risk of losing the battle for key help to assist Manning and the rest of the program. Still, with or without Seaton on campus, Steve Sarkisian has put together a roster that can hold its ground against any other in college football. At least, that’s what Longhorns fans expect to see in the 2026 NCAA campaign.

Seaton is ranked the number one talent in the entire NCAA transfer portal. Coming off two strong years with the Buffaloes, everybody expected him to be a sought-after name in college football. Despite the regression Colorado endured after Sanders‘ departure to the NFL, Seaton still put up impressive numbers, along with remarkable film.

Now, college football insider Pete Nakos reported that the race for the star offensive tackle is coming down to two juggernauts: the Texas Longhorns and Oregon Ducks. The two schools are expected to engage in an all-out NIL-bidding war to land the coveted 6’5” tackle.

Although Texas has shown willingness to go all in for the transfers it desires, Oregon hasn’t pinched pennies, either. If the two programs are serious about signing Seaton, the rest of college football should be in for an electric arms race between the national title contenders.

Transfers galore in Texas

Manning and the Longhorns have already secured the No. 1 WR in the portal, Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, and the No. 2 HB, NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers. Adding the top offensive tackle to the equation would only rise the potential for a team whose limit is already the sky.

As it stands, Texas’ transfer class is ranked on first place across college football. Securing Seaton would only mean that competition is in the bag for the Horns. However, there are no trophies nor medals given out during the offseason. The only thing that matters is winning in the fall, and that remains a pending task for Manning, Sarkisian, and company.

Who will protect Manning next season?

While adding Seaton to the trenches would help Texas send an impossible-to-miss message across college football, the Longhorns already boast a solid unit to protect Manning in the pocket. Tackle Trevor Goosby and center Connor Robertson recently announced their returns to Austin for the 2026 NCAA campaign, a development that can only bring joy to Manning.

Though Goosby and Seaton both typically play left tackle, the former has been deployed on the opposite side of the line on several occasions, giving Steve Sarkisian flexibility should Seaton arrive at The Forty Acres. Considering Manning is right-handed, it’s imperative for Texas to have its best option at left tackle to protect its star quarterback’s blindside.

There’s still no official confirmation, but both Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong have reported an intriguing potential move in Boulder. DeAndre Moore, one of the Longhorns’ top receivers this past season, could be changing programs for the upcoming season.

The prediction is that Moore could join the Buffaloes next season, bolstering a unit that, unfortunately for Deion Sanders, failed to deliver the explosive performance he had hoped for at the start of the campaign.

DeAndre Moore’s stats from last season

During his tenure with the Texas Longhorns, DeAndre Moore emerged as a reliable and explosive playmaker, establishing himself as a key weapon for quarterback Arch Manning. Moore’s ability to find soft spots in defenses and pick up yards after the catch made him a constant threat on the field.

He concluded his campaign with an impressive 38 receptions for 532 yards, averaging a robust 14.0 yards per catch. With 4 touchdowns to his name, Moore proved to be a consistent scoring threat and a foundational piece of the Longhorns’ aerial attack.

Buffaloes look to strengthen their receiving corps

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking at DeAndre Moore Jr. as the essential piece to revive a passing game that struggled to find its identity in the first post-Travis Hunter season.

Following a 2025 campaign where the receiving corps lacked a consistent vertical threat, the need for Moore’s explosive playmaking is evident; while some players flashed potential, secondary options like Dre’Lon Miller struggled to create separation, averaging a mere 7.9 yards per catch and totaling only 158 yards.

The 2025 NCAA season has come to an early end for Manning and the Longhorns, but that only means they now have more time to gear up for the 2026 campaign. On that note, Steve Sarkisian is sending a message to the rest of college football with a second-to-none offensive unit.

However, Texas must give to get. After adding Coleman—the No. 1 WR in the portal—the Longhorns learned another talent in the wide receiver room has decided to continue his college football journey elsewhere, more specifically in Ann Arbor.

As reported by On3, Texas true freshman Jaime Ffrench has now committed to the Michigan Wolverines. The 6’1” wideout was a four-star prospect coming out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida. However, he redshirted his first season in Texas, appearing in just four games for the Longhorns. As he joins the Wolverines, he will have all four years of eligibility remaining.

No sweet home Alabama

It’s safe to say Texas has developed a taste for raining on Alabama’s parade. Though landing Coleman from Auburn was never going to be easy, the Tide and Horns were considered the two favorites to secure the sophomore wideout. In the end, the former Tigers star made his exit from The Plains easier by heading to Austin rather than Tuscaloosa.

As if snagging Coleman away from the Crimson Tide weren’t enough, the Horns got another victory over Alabama when North Carolina State transfer Hollywood Smothers (RB) flipped his commitment from Bama to Texas.

Championship or bust for Texas

Now, Texas boasts an offense with enough firepower to command respect from NFL defenses—let alone NCAA units. The Longhorns are only a few tweaks away on the offensive line from putting together a no-excuses unit for Manning to lead.

Texas is all in. It’s truly now or never for Sarkisian and company—because who knows when such a stacked team will next take the field at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium?

Moore Jr. struggled to establish himself as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver in the Longhorns’ offense. With Manning and company having a tough time at different stages of the NCAA season, it was only logical for the junior wideout to be inconsistent week in and week out.

As the 2025 campaign reached an early end for the Longhorns, Moore Jr. faced a crucial decision. The 21-year-old could declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or stay for another season in college football. One thing seemed clear: Moore Jr. wasn’t returning to The Forty Acres. Now, that’s been confirmed.

“Texas WR DeAndre Moore plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal,” as reported by On3. Moore has one year of eligibility remaining, as he was a member of the 2023 recruit class.

Moore Jr.’s stats

Moore Jr. reeled in 38 catches for 532 receiving yards (second-best on the Longhorns roster) and four touchdowns during the 2025 NCAA season—his second full campaign in college football. His production was quite similar to his totals from 2024.

Last year, Moore Jr. caught 37 passes for 456 yards and seven touchdowns. The biggest drop came in the scoring department, along with the fact that Moore Jr. couldn’t evolve into a clear-cut WR1.

Now, he will transfer to another program, where he hopes to chase silverware while further improving his draft stock. Still, the WR1 title in the 2027 class is virtually secured by Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith.

Moore Jr. couldn’t take over

Coming off a strong sophomore year in 2024, many believed Moore Jr. was poised for a stellar season with Manning under center. Moore Jr. had been the best receiver outside of Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and tight end Gunnar Helm. With all three leaving for the NFL, it was only reasonable to believe Moore would pick up the slack and take advantage of the opportunity.

However, he wasn’t as electric as the Longhorns had hoped, nor was Texas as well-rounded as Moore Jr. would have liked. In the end, a fresh start might be the best decision for both sides. Now, Moore Jr. will draw interest from several powerhouses in college football.