There may not be a team in the country with more pressure on its shoulders to deliver than the Texas Longhorns after missing the College Football Playoff a year ago.
A major reason for their high expectations, aside from the loaded roster head coach Steve Sarkisian has assembled, is fourth-year quarterback Arch Manning.
Manning emerged toward the end of last season in a big way. While it was too late for Texas to right the ship and sneak into the CFP, his performance helped set the stage for what the Longhorns could accomplish this season in the SEC.
Texas Announces Manning News
On Monday, Texas added to those expectations with an announcement involving Manning.
The 22-year-old quarterback was named to the Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list, which recognizes the top quarterback in college football each year.
Manning has already landed on several major preseason watch lists this offseason, including the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Arch ā”ļø Manning Award watch list š¤@ArchManning x @ManningAward pic.twitter.com/PKKAauNv5k
ā Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 24, 2026
Manning’s 2026 Outlook
After spending two seasons behind Quinn Ewers and making a handful of appearances during his second year, Manning took over as Texas’ full-time starter in 2025. He opened the season on the road against the Ohio State Buckeyes, where the Longhorns struggled offensively in a 14-7 loss.
That slow start carried over into the early part of the season, but Manning eventually found his footing and finished with a strong campaign. He completed 61.4% of his passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Manning also added a dynamic that his uncles Peyton and Eli never had as quarterbacks ā his ability to make plays with his legs. He rushed 92 times for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025.
Texas Longhorns Announce Arch Manning News Ahead of College Football Season