Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns’ playoff hopes went up in flames following a massive loss to Georgia last night. This has led to questions emerging surrounding the future of the quarterback, as well as head coach Steve Sarkisian going into 2026.
According to PFSN’s playoff meter, following their loss to the Bulldogs last night. The Longhorns are almost all but out of the postseason, with a 0.13% chance of reaching the playoffs.
FOX Analyst Clears Stance on Arch Manning Leaving After Georgia Loss
Following last night’s loss to Georgia, Fox Sports analyst RJ Young recently commented on the future of both Manning and Sarkisian going into 2026. The Texas quarterback is eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Alright. Arch Manning is gonna transfer? No, he’s not. He isn’t the type. He might get beat out, we might see some Matthew Caldwell, he isn’t transferring, that isn’t happening.” Young shared his take on the situation, revealing that he believes Manning will stay put.
According to ON3’s NIL Database, the Texas quarterback brings in more NIL money than any other quarterback in the nation. Sitting behind Ohio State Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith and NCAA Basketball star AJ Dybantsa with $3.6 million worth of NIL earnings.
After throwing for 300 yards in each of his last two games coming into the clash with Georgia, Manning looked back to be in the form that earned him Heisman shouts coming into the season. However, he appeared to suffer a setback against the Bulldogs.
According to PFSN’s QB impact rankings, the Longhorns’ quarterback sits just outside the Top 50 nationally. With an impact score of 80.7, Manning has thrown for 2123 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season. He also has six rushing touchdowns.
“I thought he competed well. I wish we could have made a couple more plays for him, especially early in the game in the first half. I wish we could have maybe been a little better around him, especially in the first half.” Sarkisian stated after the game.
The Longhorns’ head coach was also linked with a move away earlier in the season. After Jimmy Sexton shot down any rumors of the Longhorns’ head coach making a switch to the NFL, the analyst also commented on Sarkisian’s current situation at Texas.
“Steve Sarkisian has to go? Go where? Who are you going to get? James Franklin? Billy Napier? Mike Gundy? There’s way more supply than there is demand. But you tell me? Who’s doing a better job than Steve Sarkisian at Texas?” Young questioned.
Last year, the Longhorns made it all the way to the College Football semi-finals. However, they would ultimately end up falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s team would go on to win the National Championship after defeating the Longhorns.
Sarkisian was hired in 2021 after winning the national championship with Alabama as an OC. Since then, according to 247 Sports statistics, the Longhorns have not finished outside the top 10 in a high school recruiting class under the head coach.
The Longhorns’ 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation according to 247Sports rankings. According to a report from ESPN, Texas spent $22.2 million on its 2024 roster.  The second-highest in the nation, behind the Oregon Ducks.
Meanwhile, Sarkisian signed a contract extension in 2024. The new deal extended Sarkisian’s contract by one year through the 2031 season. It raises his salary from $10.4 million to $10.8 million this year. His contract is worth up to $75.8 million going into 2031.
With the apparent rumors of an NFL switch being put to rest, as well as any potential switch for Manning, the Texas head coach is looking ahead to his next two games. The Longhorns take on Arkansas and No. 3-ranked Texas A&M in their final games.
It seems like Sarkisian is solely focused on how well he’s meeting Manning’s needs.