Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t hold back when discussing two of his program’s biggest names this week, quarterback Arch Manning and running back CJ Baxter. Sarkisian addressed Manning’s growth through adversity and gave a critical injury update on Baxter ahead of the Longhorns’ matchup with Sam Houston State (SHSU).
What Did Sarkisian Say About Arch Manning?
Manning, now in his third year with the Longhorns, has been in the national spotlight since he stepped on campus in Austin. With preseason watch list honors for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, expectations remain sky-high. Through two starts in 2025, Manning has thrown for 465 yards and five touchdowns while completing over 60% of his passes.
But Sarkisian emphasized that Manning’s development isn’t just about stats, it’s about how he handles adversity.
“I think some of this is really good,” Sarkisian said. “Here’s a guy who’s had an awesome life… I think you learn a lot about yourself through adversity and overcoming adversity. To have some of this adversity that he has right now, and when he gets on the other side of it, I think all of this is going to serve not only well for him but well for us as a team. Love the challenge for him. He’s a strong-minded guy with great work ethic, poise, and composure. He’s an awesome teammate, so I love the end of the movie for him when he gets on the other side of this.”
Sarkisian on Arch Manning: “I think some of this is really good. Here’s a guy who’s had an awesome life. The way he’s grown up, where he played, the school he went to, the people he’s been surrounded by. I think you learn a lot about yourself through adversity and overcoming…
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) September 15, 2025
Manning, who has a 3-1 career record as a starter, continues to show flashes of why he was one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory. Sarkisian’s confidence suggests that Longhorn fans should remain patient as the young quarterback matures under pressure.
CJ Baxter Injury Update: Star Running Back Out This Weekend
While optimism surrounds Manning’s progression, Sarkisian delivered a tougher update on sophomore running back CJ Baxter. The explosive playmaker, who returned from a season-ending injury in 2024, will miss this weekend’s game against SHSU with a hamstring issue.
CJ Baxter (hamstring) is OUT this weekend.
Cole Hutson, Xavier Filsaime (Shoulder) and Kobe Black are all Questionable this weekend vs. SHSU.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 15, 2025
Baxter had been off to a solid start in 2025, rushing for 40 yards on 10 carries in the opener against No. 2 Ohio State and adding 64 yards on 13 attempts in a win over San Jose State. The setback is frustrating for the Longhorns, who counted on his versatility after his impressive freshman campaign in 2023, when he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention and landed on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list.
Alongside Baxter, offensive lineman Cole Hutson, safety Xavier Filsaime (shoulder), and defensive back Kobe Black are all listed as questionable for the upcoming game.
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The Longhorns’ depth will be tested as Sarkisian manages both Arch Manning’s ongoing development and CJ Baxter’s absence. Texas will look to lean on its running back rotation while continuing to build confidence around Manning’s leadership at quarterback.
Sarkisian’s comments make clear that the adversity his team is facing now could pay dividends later in the season. With conference play looming, how the Longhorns handle these challenges could shape their push for a SEC title.
