NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
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 wasn’t a Heisman Trophy finalist and the Longhorns didn’t make the College Football Playoff.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning throws a pass in the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
Manning faced speculation that he would either transfer or enter the draft anyway, but his father, Cooper, shut that down earlier this month. Before the Citrus Bowl, the quarterback said he had “no reason” to leave Texas.
“I feel like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to continue that,” he said. “There is no reason to leave. I feel like I have a lot more football left to play and excited to still be a part of this team.”
NOTRE DAME’S MARCUS FREEMAN SHUTS DOOR ON NFL INTEREST, ANNOUNCES RETURN TO SCHOOL
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning walks into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies on Nov. 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
If Manning chose to leave school, it likely would have meant he skipped 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 at halftime and my grandfather (Archie) told me about those games and my dad. It’s cool to be a part of this game, especially with (Peyton Manning) playing in it, and we’re excited to play a good Michigan team.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to make a pass in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Manning’s performance in the Citrus Bowl will likely be a key indicator of how much further he can take his game into 2026. It will likely be his last in college football.
