The No. 7 Texas Longhorns hold only a 14-3 lead over the unranked UTEP Miners at home at halftime. Texas’ offense has looked sluggish, recording just 69 total passing yards in the first half, and Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has not performed to the level many expected. Here’s what’s happening with him in the game.
What Happened to Arch Manning?
Through two quarters of action in Texas’s game against UTEP, Manning has just five completions for 69 yards and one interception.
A few missed targets by Texas QB Arch Manning, UTEP safety Xavier Smith grabs an interception in the end zone.
Can’t say Arch has looked good at all…
First down, UTEP. #MinerTalk pic.twitter.com/Ax6ZSbqo32
— Adrian Broaddus (@AdrianBroaddus) September 13, 2025
The Miners, who play in Conference USA, seem to have contained the Longhorns’ high-powered SEC offense in the first 30 minutes of the game, leaving many to wonder if something is wrong with Manning.
While the former five-star hasn’t played up to the standard expected from a Texas quarterback, there are no reports of an injury. It appears the young signal-caller is simply struggling, although he has scored twice for the Longhorns on the ground.
In Texas’s game against San Jose State last weekend, Manning was seen grimacing on some of his throws, causing many fans to think that he was dealing with some sort of injury.
However, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian immediately shut down those rumors, insisting that his quarterback is completely fine and firing back at reporters for spreading false reports about Manning’s health.
Following Sarkisian’s fiery press conference, Manning was not listed on any injury reports in the week leading up to the UTEP game and was fully cleared to play. While he is healthy, his performance against the Miners is cause for concern.
How Has Manning Performed In This Season Until Now?
There were immense expectations on Manning’s shoulders heading into the 2025 season. He was not only the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, but also the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning.
Despite those expectations, Manning struggled in the Longhorns’ season opener against Ohio State, throwing for just 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
He bounced back somewhat in Texas’s Week 2 matchup against San Jose State, throwing for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, but his struggles seem to have returned against UTEP.
His overall performance in 2025 has fallen far below the expectations placed on him, and there is growing concern in Austin after his first-half struggles against the Miners.
The good news is there’s a full second half to play, giving Manning a chance to turn it around and silence his first-half critics. The Texas–UTEP game continues with coverage on the SEC Network.
