Texas quarterback Arch Manning led the Longhorns’ revival after a mixed start to the season last year. After being tabbed as the preseason Heisman trophy favorite, Manning went through a period of torrid form as the Longhorns’ SEC championship and College Football Playoff hopes stuttered.
Despite missing the College Football Playoff, Manning ultimately led Texas to a No. 12 AP Poll ranking after a 10-3 record and a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over the Michigan Wolverines.
Arch Manning’s Form Vaults Texas to Contender Status
Manning accounted for 3,163 passing yards (61.4% completion), resulting in 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while adding 399 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, earning himself a PFSN CFB QB Impact score of 83.1. In his final eight games of the season, the Longhorns’ star managed 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
In his way-too-early predictions, PFSN analyst Ryan Guthrie tabbed Manning’s form towards the end of last season to carry into next season and lead the Longhorns to a potential national championship.
“7.57% chance to win the national championship (PFSN CFB Playoff Meter). Despite some calling 2025 disappointing, Texas still won nine games, capped it with a bowl win over Michigan, and saw Arch Manning play his best football down the stretch,” Guthrie wrote.
“Now add WR Cam Coleman (former five-star) to partner with Ryan Wingo on the outside, and transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles, who earned an 85.4 PFSN CFB LB Impact Grade (6th nationally) and ranked top-20 in TFLs. Texas isn’t just “back”, they’re ready to go all the way.”
Manning will get a chance to show off his newfound form against elite opposition when the Longhorns host the Ohio State Buckeyes in Austin in a marquee clash in Week 2 next season.
Manning Receives Lofty QB Ranking
During last week’s segment of the On3 podcast, analyst J.D. PicKell ranked Manning as the No. 3 quarterback in college football ahead of next season, while highlighting his form at the end of last season.
“I think that he cracked the code toward the end of last year. It was a slow start, it was a weird start, and it was weird because you saw Arch Manning do a lot of things that looked like he didn’t have the juice physically,” PicKell said.
He then added, “Had the weight of the world on his shoulders going into the season. Was supposed to be the No. 1 pick, Heisman Trophy favorite, all these things. Once he settled in, I think we all got to see Arch Manning is just fine physically, like Arch Manning has all the goods physically. His last six games had a total of 19 touchdowns.”
Manning had a minor foot surgery in January after the Citrus Bowl against Michigan and will be limited during offseason workouts, but should be back in time for spring practice.
