Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning got off to a hot start on Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks, leading the No. 17 Longhorns to a 21-20 lead in the second quarter.
While college football fans were watching Manning tear up the Razorbacks’ secondary with pass plays, he even found time to get involved on offense beyond being a pass thrower.
What Did Texas QB Arch Manning Do?
With Texas up 7-6 and near the Arkansas end zone, Manning and the Texas offense pulled off quite a play. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian called a timeout before the snap, too. After Manning got the ball, he flipped it over to wide receiver Parker Livingstone.
After doing so, Manning slipped through the Arkansas defensive line and found himself wide open on the right side of the end zone. Livingstone, who’s usually on the receiving end of Manning’s passes, threw a strike to Manning for a touchdown.
ARCH MANNING CATCHES A REVERSE PASS FOR SIX 🚨👀@TexasFootball x 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/PflO6K4gck
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 22, 2025
After fans saw the play take place, they went online to express their surprise and joy at the unique play by the Texas offense. One person wrote on X, “Texas going to try and make Arch Manning cool again today.”
Texas going to try and make Arch Manning cool again today.
— John Nabors (@JohnNaborsShow) November 22, 2025
Another fan wondered if a position switch might be worthwhile for Manning, writing, “Is Arch Manning a better wide receiver than he is a quarterback?”
Is Arch Manning a better wide receiver than he is a quarterback? #collegefootball #manning #texas
— Jackson Breit (@jacksonbreit) November 22, 2025
One wondered if a new WR1 is appearing on the field at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.
WR1 in the 2027 NFL Draft class: Arch Manning
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) November 22, 2025
Another fan wondered if writing about Manning at a new position is worthwhile, while another thinks Manning should be included once again in chatter for the Heisman Trophy: “Arch Manning TD catch = Heisman Trophy campaign back ON”.
Arch Manning TD catch = Heisman Trophy campaign back ON
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) November 22, 2025
This observer compared Manning to former Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson, even using Johnson’s nickname in his post: “Touchdown Longhorns – Arch Manning is MEGATRON!! The Longhorns QB catches a 4-yard TD pass from Parker Livingstone on a trick play.”
Entering Saturday’s home game against Arkansas, according to PFSN CFB QB Impact metrics, Manning has an 82.1 CFB QB Impact Score and grades out to a B-.
The Longhorns are trying to score an impressive win over the Razorbacks on Saturday to potentially improve their College Football Playoff rankings position. But Texas’ defense is having difficulty stopping the Arkansas offense.
Manning, though, has plenty of time to add to his stat sheet. Maybe he can even catch another TD pass later in the game.
