Former NFL QB Warns Manning to Break From Texas Coach Sarkisian

WHO:

Fox News - Steve Sarkisian described Arch Manning as “edgy” and said, “At some point, he’s gotta fight back.”

Fox News - Sarkisian said he, the media, and others had helped create the heightened attention around Manning: “We created this. All of us. Y’all included. Me.”

Sportskeeda - Former NFL linebacker Will Compton defended Arch Manning, saying Steve Sarkisian was the first person to blame for Texas’ struggling offense.

Fox News - Urban Meyer said Arch Manning had “gone backwards” since Texas’ comeback against Ohio State.

Newsweek - The article reports that an unnamed former NFL quarterback urged Arch Manning to stay in college for another year, but not at the University of Texas.

Yahoo Sports - Arch Manning is Texas’ starting quarterback, and Steve Sarkisian is the Longhorns’ head coach.

Yahoo Sports - Quinn Ewers was Texas’ starting quarterback in 2024; KJ Lacey Jr. is a backup quarterback who may receive more first-team practice snaps.

Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian said, “Arch can play better for us,” called Manning the starter, and said he needed to see “a better version of Arch Manning.”

Yahoo Sports - Manning told reporters, “I fully expect myself to play better,” adding that he had not “put good film on tape the past five weeks” and would improve for his teammates, himself, and coaches.

Yahoo Sports - Texas has won 39 games and lost 10 during Sarkisian’s previous 3½ seasons.

WHAT:

Fox News - Sarkisian said Texas’ goals were to advance beyond the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and compete for a national title with four other teams; he had said reaching the semifinals was no longer enough.

Fox News - Manning said he would “let it rip” after Texas’ loss to Florida, according to the article.

Yahoo Sports - The article said a 12-team College Football Playoff could still be within reach for Texas even after a third loss.

Yahoo Sports - The article said Texas’ coaching staff shared favorable assessments of Manning’s practice performance with Orangebloods.com the previous week.

Yahoo Sports - The article said Arch Manning was expected to make his 22nd start against Ole Miss.

Yahoo Sports - Texas’ roster was described as highly paid as well as allegedly costing $50 million.

49ers.com - The 49ers’ 2026 rookie class took part in a mentorship academy for Bay Area high school football players.

49ers.com - Defensive lineman Gracen Halton recorded his first career sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, and touchdown against Seattle.

49ers.com - Sixty high school tackle-football players attended the academy at Levi’s Stadium.

49ers.com - The academy covered leadership, mental wellness, and success in sports and beyond.

Yahoo Sports - Manning’s paychecks were considered more likely to come from the NFL the following year than from the SEC or Big Ten.

Yahoo Sports - Texas had been ranked No. 1 a few weeks earlier while still winning, though its play was described as unimpressive.

Yahoo Sports - Texas could potentially miss the 12-team College Football Playoff in both seasons Manning started; the article said a 24-team playoff was all but certain the following year.

Yahoo Sports - Texas’ past coaching transitions included the end of the Mack Brown era and the tenures of Charlie Strong and Tom Herman.

Sportskeeda - Dan Orlovsky said Arch Manning should “definitely go back to school.”

Fox News - Urban Meyer said Manning had “gone backwards” since Texas’ comeback against Ohio State.

Yahoo Sports - Texas’ offense struggled during the 2024 season, including poor red-zone efficiency, while Ewers dealt with injuries; Texas reached the SEC championship game and College Football Playoff.

Yahoo Sports - Texas entered the week at 4-2 after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida. The Longhorns had two losses through Week 7, following three losses the previous season.

Yahoo Sports - Texas was scheduled to host No. 7 Ole Miss; the game could revive Texas’ season or worsen its College Football Playoff prospects.

Yahoo Sports - ESPN reported that Lacey would receive an “uptick” in first-team practice snaps.

Yahoo Sports - The article says Manning was in his fourth college year, was 22 years old, and was approaching his 22nd start.

Yahoo Sports - Texas’ roster was described as allegedly costing $50 million.

WHERE:

Fox News - Sarkisian’s comments about Manning’s demeanor were made during the week leading up to Texas’ game against Ole Miss.

49ers.com - The mentorship academy was held at Levi’s Stadium and involved high school athletes from the Bay Area.

Yahoo Sports - The team and the quarterback controversy are based in Austin, Texas; Texas was set to host Ole Miss.

Yahoo Sports - Texas competes in the SEC.

WHEN:

Yahoo Sports - The article describes Texas’ 2024 season, Manning’s second season as a starter, and Texas’ current season through Week 7.

Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian’s response about Manning’s future was given Monday; Manning also spoke to reporters Monday.

Yahoo Sports - The article refers to an earlier press conference during the same October week two years before the current discussion.

WHY:

Yahoo Sports - The article said Texas’ staff faces responsibility if it has failed to draw out Manning’s ability in games or has relied on him despite him not being good enough to meet the team’s goals.

Yahoo Sports - The article said that if Manning has talent the coaches cannot draw out in games, or if he is not good enough and the staff has relied on him, responsibility also rests with the coaching staff.

Yahoo Sports - The article said Texas’ transfer-portal spending power made it difficult to justify investing four years in a quarterback who could not lead the team to its goals.

Newsweek - The former NFL quarterback’s stated advice was that Manning should remain in college another year but leave Texas.

Yahoo Sports - Manning’s future at Texas is being questioned amid inconsistent play, mistakes, difficulty processing what he sees on the field, and the team’s offensive struggles.

Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian said Manning and other offensive players needed to perform better; the article links uncertainty about both men’s futures to Texas’ results and College Football Playoff prospects.

HOW:

49ers.com - The academy used a three-step program combining mentorship, practical tools, and hands-on experiences; rookies led table discussions about mental health, improving play, and leadership.

Yahoo Sports - Sarkisian previously rejected a question about replacing Ewers with Manning, saying, “I’m not even going to answer that,” and “Next question.”

Yahoo Sports - The article says Texas’ coaching staff shared positive practice assessments of Manning with local beat writers, while ESPN reported a possible increase in Lacey’s first-team snaps.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is under mounting pressure after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida left the Longhorns 4-2. Coach Steve Sarkisian said Manning remains the starter but needs to play better, while Manning acknowledged he had not put good performances on film in recent weeks. Sarkisian also called him “edgy” and said the attention around him was something coaches and the media had helped create. Texas is preparing to host No. 7 Ole Miss, with its playoff chances at stake; backup KJ Lacey may get more first-team practice snaps. Some analysts have criticized Manning’s play, while others say the coaching staff shares responsibility for the offense’s struggles. Advice on Manning’s future is divided, with one former NFL quarterback urging him to stay in college but leave Texas. Sarkisian’s larger goal is to compete for a national championship.