Arch Manning says no to the Draft and bets on the Longhorns

Arch Manning closed his first season as Texas starter with steady improvement. The quarterback guided the Longhorns to a 9-3 record, with key wins over Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M, though the team missed the College Football Playoff.

The news of his return was confirmed by his father Cooper and quickly became a major NCAA storyline. According to Sportingnews, Arch Manning’s choice reflects trust in Steve Sarkisian’s project and confidence in the growth he showed late in the year.

The path of evolution

The young QB began the season with struggles, missing throws and battling behind an inconsistent offensive line. Critics were loud, but Arch Manning’s talent eventually prevailed. By November, he averaged 354 yards per game and threw 10 touchdowns in three contests, numbers that placed him among the nation’s best.

BREAKING: QB Arch Manning is returning to Texas for the 2026 season, his father Cooper told ESPN.

Manning led the Longhorns to a 9-3 record and 13th-ranked finish. pic.twitter.com/LXNUIkXoYc

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 16, 2025

He finished strong: nearly 3,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, stats comparable to debut seasons of past Heisman winners.

Family influence

Arch Manning follows his instincts but also respects family tradition. Both Peyton and Eli played four full college seasons before jumping to the NFL. That patience now shapes his strategy, as he seeks to reach the pros with greater maturity.

The impact of NIL deals also allows Arch Manning to remain one of the most compensated athletes in college sports. This reduces financial pressure to leave early and lets him focus on development.

What’s next for Texas

Arch Manning now faces the Citrus Bowl against Michigan as a preview of a promising 2026. His return makes the Longhorns immediate contenders and reopens a championship window that seemed closed after last season’s disappointment.

The quarterback also left a unique mark: he became the first Texas QB to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in the same game, a feat achieved against Arkansas. With Arch Manning, Austin prepares for a new era.