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The Texas Longhorns can confidently say that their football program is practically all the way back. Following seasons in which they won their conference and then reached the College Football Playoff Semifinals, head coach Steve Sarkisian has the ship steered in the right direction. And it might get even better in 2025.
Despite losing a lot of talent from last year, the Longhorns are set to get a jolt at quarterback, with fan favorite Arch Manning taking over as the starter in place of the much-maligned Quinn Ewers. Texas would love to have Manning at the program for as long as possible, but it won't be easy if he plays like his talent dictates. He's already being considered as the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so it could be a one-and-done season as the Longhorns' starter for Manning.
Arch Manning loves his life at the University of Texas
Could Manning stay for longer, though? It's certainly possible, and his previous comments suggest he will strongly consider it. When Ewers left the program and Manning was installed as the tentative starting quarterback, the 20-year-old had this to say.
Yeah, it was tough. I mean, it's tough in this age. But I think, I hope it pays off. There's nowhere else I want to be. I want to be at Texas. I got friends here. Love this place. So I want to be the quarterback of the University of Texas. Sometimes it's worth the wait.
So Manning loves the University of Texas, has friends there and has clearly exercised patience while sitting behind Ewers. That same patience could lead to Manning staying past the 2025 college football season. If he does break out this season and is the surefire No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it will be very tough for him not to declare.
But it's possible he doesn't like the NFL franchise that will have the first pick in the draft, which could sway his decision whether to stay or not. If he does stay, it sounds like it will be a thought-out and emotional decision, given how much he likes his life at Texas.