Texas Coach Praises Arch Manning's Resilience and Skills
WHO:
NY Post - Arch Manning, Texas quarterback, and Steve Sarkisian, Texas football coach.
WHAT:
USA Today - Arch Manning stated, “I’ve become more present, obviously matured,” reflecting on his offseason and the lessons learned from his previous season.
USA Today - Manning received Heisman Trophy and No. 1 overall pick buzz last offseason, despite having only two college starts at that time.
USA Today - Sarkisian noted that Manning is entering the 2026 season with a better version of himself due to the challenges faced last season.
Fox News - Arch Manning addressed the "bust" narrative at SEC Media Days, stating that the criticism "lights a fire" as Texas aims for the college football playoff.
Yahoo Sports - Arch Manning faced criticism during his first season as the starting quarterback for Texas.
Yahoo Sports - Manning finished the season with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, along with 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Yahoo Sports - Nineteen of Manning's 36 total touchdowns came in Texas' final six games.
Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian described Manning as "a very dangerous player" and noted that he learned a lot from his previous season.
WHERE:
Yahoo Sports - Texas Longhorns football team, Austin, Texas.
WHEN:
USA Today - Texas is scheduled to face Ohio State for the second straight season in Week 2 of the upcoming season, this time at home.
Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian made his comments at SEC Media Days on July 23.
Yahoo Sports - Manning's previous season included early-season losses to Ohio State and Florida.
WHY:
Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian stated that Manning was uniquely equipped to handle the criticism he received last season.
Yahoo Sports - Manning expressed that he has matured and learned about himself through the challenges he faced during the previous season.
HOW:
Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian noted that Manning has fewer excuses heading into the season after Texas bolstered its offense with transfers Cam Coleman (Auburn), Hollywood Smothers (North Carolina State), and Raleek Brown (Arizona State), along with returnees Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V.
Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian noted that Manning worked hard and focused on being a great teammate despite the criticism he faced.
(UPDATED July 24, 2026 17:26 UTC)
Arch Manning has shared that he has become more present and matured over the offseason, reflecting on the lessons learned from his previous season. Despite having only two college starts at that time, he received buzz for the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 overall pick last offseason, and coach Sarkisian believes Manning is entering the 2026 season as a better version of himself due to the challenges he faced. Texas is set to face Ohio State for the second straight season in Week 2 of the upcoming season, this time on their home turf.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 08:46 UTC)
Arch Manning recently tackled the "bust" narrative during SEC Media Days, expressing that the criticism only fuels his determination as Texas sets its sights on the college football playoff. Coach Sarkisian pointed out that Manning has fewer excuses this season, thanks to the team's strengthened offense, which includes transfers Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, and Raleek Brown, along with returning players Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V. With these additions, the Longhorns are gearing up for a competitive season ahead.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 07:50 UTC)
Texas quarterback Arch Manning faced significant criticism during his first season as a starter, finishing with impressive stats that included 3,163 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning as "a very dangerous player," highlighting that he learned a lot from the challenges of the previous season, especially after early losses to Ohio State and Florida. Sarkisian also noted that Manning's ability to handle criticism and his commitment to being a great teammate have contributed to his growth as a player.