The 2025 college football season may be in the books, but the sport never truly sleeps. As soon as one chapter closes, another opens, and attention has already shifted toward the 2026 season. Early rankings, conference projections, and preseason award watch lists are beginning to take shape as fans and analysts look ahead to what’s next.
Arch Manning’s 2026 Heisman Campaign Starts Now
Among the most anticipated discussions is the race for college football’s most prestigious individual honor: the Heisman Trophy. While national championships define programs, the Heisman immortalizes players. It’s an award that winners often credit to their teammates and coaches, but ultimately, it stands as the game’s ultimate personal accolade.
One name that dominated preseason conversations last year was Texas quarterback Arch Manning, entering his first season as the Longhorns’ starter. The hype train was moving at full speed in 2025, perhaps too fast. Early struggles cooled expectations, but by season’s end, Manning reminded everyone why he was one of the most highly touted recruits in college football history; that was more than just a last name.
Now, heading into 2026, the hype is back, only this time, it appears far more justified.
PFSN analyst Alec Elijah believes Manning has a clear runway to New York, placing the Texas quarterback at the top of his early Heisman contenders list.
“Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with all the ingredients of a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender,” Elijah wrote. “Much of Manning’s Heisman outlook hinges on Texas’ ability to retool its offensive line. Improved protection could unlock the full potential of the former five-star quarterback.”
After a slow start to the 2025 season, Manning finished strong, posting a 61.4% completion rate, 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns. Those numbers seemed unthinkable just three or four weeks into the year, when his early performances drew skepticism. But by season’s end, Manning looked every bit like a star quarterback.
Texas Longhorns Building the Program Around Manning
The difference heading into 2026 is the support system around him.
Texas aggressively attacked the transfer portal, addressing key offensive weaknesses. The Longhorns landed Cam Coleman, the new No. 1 receiver, who pairs with Ryan Wingo to form what could be the best wide receiver duo in the country. In the backfield, Texas added Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers to revive a rushing attack that struggled mightily a season ago.
Brown, in particular, brings immediate impact. He finished with a PFSN CFB RB Impact Grade of 86.6, ranking 13th nationally. That kind of production is exactly what Texas needs after ranking 90th in rushing yards per game in 2025, hardly an ideal formula for helping a young quarterback thrive.
With improved weapons, a bolstered run game, and renewed confidence, the pieces are finally in place. If the offensive line holds up and Texas continues its upward trajectory, Arch Manning may not just be a Heisman contender; he could be the favorite.
All signs point up for Manning and the Longhorns as 2026 approaches.
