Bold claim: Arch Manning is staying in college football, not entering the NFL draft in 2026. And this is exactly how Texas fans wanted to hear it.
Arch Manning will return to the Texas Longhorns for the 2026 season, a decision publicly confirmed by his father, Cooper Manning, in a message to ESPN on Monday. The news settles the question of whether Manning would pursue a professional career after next season and sets the table for another year of development in Austin.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has consistently highlighted Manning’s growth, both physically and mentally, throughout the season. At a recent media event in Orlando, Sarkisian credited Manning with improving in maturity and capability, suggesting that another year in college could position him for a longer NFL career. He noted that Manning still has unfinished business: opportunities to chase conference titles and a national championship.
The 2025 season did not meet high expectations for Manning and the Longhorns. Texas opened as the preseason No. 1 but fell short in several marquee moments. Manning faced early-season mechanics issues, and the team endured substantial challenges along the offensive line. Still, there were standout moments: dominant performances against Vanderbilt and Arkansas, and a late surge to beat Kentucky in overtime. A notable 389-yard, four-touchdown outing against Arkansas underscored Manning’s potential, while the comeback win over Mississippi State showcased his resilience.
Texas closed the regular season with a win against a highly ranked Texas A&M squad, a game that mirrored the ups and downs of the year. Manning’s final numbers for the regular season stood at 227 completions on 330 attempts (61.4%), for 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, plus 244 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
Looking ahead, the Citrus Bowl against Michigan gives Manning and the Longhorns one last stage to prove they’ve learned from the 2025 season’s rough spots. If Texas can translate bowl success into momentum for 2026, Manning could be positioned for a strong pro outlook. Yet the decision to return opens room for debate: does another year of college play truly improve his NFL draft stock, or would an earlier leap better capitalize on his unique pedigree?
What do you think: will another year in Austin help Manning refine the tools scouts crave, or is a jump to the NFL the wiser move after a year of exposure to high-level competition? Share your take in the comments.
