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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was expected to have an incredible 2025 season that would have made him the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
These predictions did not come true. Manning had a solid season, leading Texas to nine wins, throwing for 2,942 yards and scoring 32 total touchdowns. He was not a Heisman Trophy finalist and the Longhorns did not make the College Football Playoff.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning throws a pass during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
Manning faced speculation that he would transfer or enter the draft anyway, but his father, Cooper, put an end to that earlier this month. Before the Citrus Bowl, the quarterback said he had “no reason” to leave Texas.
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot this year, especially towards the back half and I want to keep that going,” he said. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I still have a lot of football left to play and I’m excited to continue to be a part of this team.”
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning walks into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies on November 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
If Manning had chosen to leave school, it likely would have meant he would skip the bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines.
He expressed his desire to play in the Citrus Bowl given his family’s history in the game.
“I was in New Orleans over the holidays and my grandpa (Archie) told me about these games, as well as my dad. It’s cool to be a part of this game, especially since (Peyton Manning) played in it and we’re excited to go play a good Michigan team.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
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Manning’s performance in the Citrus Bowl will likely be a key indicator of how much further he can take his game through 2026. It will likely be his last in college football.
