Does Texas quarterback Arch Manning have what it takes to be college football’s top signal-caller this season, especially after his performance last year?
Manning committed to Texas as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class and sat behind former starting quarterback Quinn Ewers for a year in 2024, with a few starts early in the season. When Manning was handed the keys as their starter last season, the expectations didn’t seem to be met right away.
FOX Sports’ Matt Leinart joined First Things First to talk about Manning’s future with the Longhorns and why he’s capable of being one of the sport’s top quarterbacks.
“He started off pretty slow last year, but as the season went on, he was really good,” Leinart said on First Things First. “He’s built the right way. I actually kind of feel like there’s less pressure on him this year… He has all of what you want in a quarterback, and it’s not just the last name and the pedigree.”
Manning threw an interception in each of his first three starts last season and threw at less than 60% completion rate in three of his first four starts. However, things seemed to click for Manning after the Longhorns’ convincing 26-3 win over then-No. 6 Oklahoma in Week 6.
The Longhorns finished 7-1 in their final eight games of the season with Manning under center, who threw 14 touchdown passes, two interceptions and rushed for five touchdowns. Now the pressure continues for Manning as he heads into his second full season as the starter, especially after being tabbed as a Heisman frontrunner early.
Especially in a college football season that features returning quarterbacks that include the likes of Oregon’s Dante Moore, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. The playing field to be the best is nothing but competitive.
The Longhorns also face a competitive SEC slate, which includes road contests at LSU, Texas A&M and Tennessee with Ole Miss and Ohio State at home. After missing the College Football Playoff last season, Manning and the Longhorns are looking to make a return with a talented roster with transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman and edge rusher Colin Simmons.
Texas will open the 2026 season against Texas State at home on Sept. 5.
