Arch Manning is expected to enter the 2027 NFL Draft after the 2026 season, and so the Texas Longhorns may only have one more shot at a championship with him. As pressure for the quarterback continues to grow heading to the 2026 season, outspoken analyst Stephen A. Smith also picked him behind Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
Stephen A. Smith Explains Why Arch Manning Still Trails Trinidad Chambliss in SEC QB Race
Manning entered last season surrounded by Heisman buzz, with Texas opening the year as the preseason No. 1 team. However, the Longhorns’ season got off to a disappointing start after a season-opening loss at Ohio State, and Manning struggled to establish consistency.
Manning also endured an uneven outing against UTEP before being sacked seven times in a 29-21 road loss to Florida to open the team’s SEC slate. He looked more like a game manager than a quarterback capable of taking over contests.
However, Manning began to show flashes in the last part of the season, as he threw for 346 yards during Texas’ 45-38 overtime win over Mississippi State. Later in the season, he returned to form with 389 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 52-37 win against Arkansas.
Manning was also impressive in the Citrus Bowl, as he helped Texas beat Michigan 41-27, recording 4 touchdowns, including the 60-yard touchdown run that sealed the game. Smith also saw Manning’s resurgence and had high praise for the quarterback.
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“The Arch Manning that we saw over the last eight games was entirely different than the dude we saw for the first five,” Smith said. “That wasn’t really doing anything to really, really knock your socks off, but the last eight games they won seven and one… We know he’s got some wheels; you know, he had foot surgery in the offseason.
“He says he is going to be 100%. I believe him. We know he can make plays with his legs, not just with his arm. We get that part. He put entirely too much pressure on himself.”
Manning wrapped up last season with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 399 yards and 10 scores as Texas narrowly missed the College Football Playoff. According to PFN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 83.1, ranking 37th in the nation.
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However, Smith believes he still trails Chambliss in the best SEC quarterback conversation.
“Nevertheless, to see the transfer that was Trinidad Chambliss performing the way that he did for Ole Miss through the season last year while Lane Kiffin was there and after he departed and balling the way that he did on the big stage in the College Football Playoffs, I don’t see how anybody can just put Arch Manning ahead of him,” Smith said. “I’m sorry, I’m not doing that.”
Chambliss arrived at Ole Miss as a spring transfer last year but quickly became one of the SEC’s most productive quarterbacks. He threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions while adding 527 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.
Behind Chambliss, the Rebels produced one of the best seasons in program history, finishing the regular season 11-1 before advancing to the College Football Playoff. Ole Miss won two postseason games and pushed Miami to the limit in a 31-27 national semifinal loss, accomplishing the feat despite Lane Kiffin’s departure before the playoff run.
As for the debate between Manning and Chambliss, it could finally be settled on the field when Ole Miss travels to Texas on October 24.
