Texas kicked its 2026 campaign off against Texas State in Austin for Week 1’s action, and as expected, all eyes were on Longhorns’ QB Arch Manning.
Praised as a first-round favorite in the 2027 NFL Draft and Pro Football Network’s Big Boards QB2, some would say it was crucial for Manning to get off to a hot start to begin the season, which also helped kick-start the Texas gunslingers’ Heisman campaign.
Manning finished his week a few minutes into the fourth quarter, ending with a statline of 20 for 27, 305 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
College Football World Shares Praise for Manning’s Start
“Not seeing much Arch Manning slander on this website today.” posted On3’s Ari Wasserman.
Not seeing much Arch Manning slander on this website today.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) September 5, 2026
“You can always count on Arch Manning to stand tall & deliver under pressure. His unflappable poise & pocket discipline are two of his best qualities. He’s had a couple iffy throws, but overall, the talent & toughness are on full display,” wrote PFN analyst Ian Cummings.
You can always count on Arch Manning to stand tall & deliver under pressure. His unflappable poise & pocket discipline are two of his best qualities.
He’s had a couple iffy throws, but overall, the talent & toughness are on full display. pic.twitter.com/GCw0l19Oa9
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 5, 2026
“Let’s get Arch Manning on the Jets and see what happens,” said a user on X.
Let’s get Arch Manning on the Jets and see what happens pic.twitter.com/iBzKi4OhZK
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 5, 2026
“These are the throws from Arch Manning that remind me why I bet him to be the first overall pick months ago,” stated betting analyst Rob Paul.
These are the throws from Arch Manning that remind me why I bet him to be the first overall pick months ago (and it doesn’t hurt to have a fellow projected Top 10 pick in Cam Coleman to throw to) pic.twitter.com/lj1jqVzh15
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 5, 2026
Criticism from Interception
Despite the Longhorns’ quarterback essentially being on point for most of the time he played, Manning still had a slight hiccup in the first half, throwing into a swarm of Texas State defenders for an interception.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON: PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
“Arch Manning throws an INT into triple coverage,” posted an NFL Draft influencer.
Arch Manning throws an INT into triple coverage 😬 pic.twitter.com/S2hvCgjPXs
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 5, 2026
One user on X said, “Arch Manning. You just cannot throw this ball. Take the easy-access run to the left. He has definitely improved, but his decision-making still needs to be more consistent.”
All in all, this was a stellar performance for Manning to begin his 2026 season.
While there’s definitely still room for improvement, it’s clear Manning is already firing on all cylinders heading into the season, which could spell success for the Texas Longhorns and doom for the rest of the SEC.
