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Arch Manning is no stranger to high expectations, and he is now ready to take the reins as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback. Last year, he didn't play much, appearing in 10 games and throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns with a solid 67.8% completion rate, but he delivered when he did play. In his two starts, Texas crushed opponents by a combined score of 86-16, hinting at his potential. The Longhorns haven't won a national title since Vince Young's legendary 41-38 Rose Bowl victory over USC in 2005, and Austin has endured 20 long years since then. With Manning stepping up, fans are starting to believe that he could end the drought, especially with a family tree boasting icons like Peyton and Eli Manning.
Manning's Training Looks Unstoppable as Ohio State Looms
Texas has been a playoff regular, being the only team making the College Football Playoff the past two seasons. This year, they're neck-and-neck with the defending champions, Ohio State, as title favorites. The schedule is juicy-they kick things off against each other in Columbus. Manning knows it's do-or-die from the start. He's been putting in serious work, and the evidence is everywhere. Clips from Tulane's Yulman Stadium show him throwing tight es, moving around with impressive footwork, and showing off his speed when necessary.
His mechanics are on point, and his extra effort has people buzzing. After Ohio State, Texas has three home games against weaker opponents, followed by a week off before playing the Gators in Florida. If Manning can secure road wins in those two pivotal matchups, the Longhorns could enter the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma undefeated-and Manning would have everyone's attention.
NFL or Another Year? Manning's Future Is the Hot Debate
What will happen after this season is anyone's guess, and it's the talk of college football. Most scouts have Manning pegged as the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so a strong performance this year could lead to his departure for the pros. However, there's a chance he'll stay at Texas through 2027, perhaps to chase a Heisman-an award won only by Longhorns legends Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998). An injury or a subpar season might also keep him in college longer.
Then there's the cash factor: His name, image, and likeness (NIL) value sits at an impressive $6.8 million, the highest in the nation, and it's climbing. Earning more than some NFL rookies, Manning might not be in a hurry to leave. It's a rare position to be in, and it has fans and analysts divided on what he'll do next.
The stage is set for Manning to make his mark. Texas is hungry for a championship, and with his talent and determination, he might just deliver. The opener against Ohio State will tell us a lot. If he shines, the Longhorns could be on their way to something big. For now, Austin is holding its breath, hoping this is the start of a new golden era.