During his first season as the starting quarterback for Texas football, Arch Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns. Manning’s struggles in early-season losses to Ohio State and Florida led to nationwide criticism, but he finished the season strong as the Longhorns went 4-1 over the last two months of the season with wins over No. 9 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 18 Michigan.Â
More: Steve Sarkisian, Texas football bid farewell to ‘The Bubble’ as spring practice ends
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In January, Manning had what Texas described as a minor foot surgery. That left him limited during spring drills. Steve Sarkisian recently said that Manning probably could have been a full participant in UT’s last few practices, but he didn’t feel like that was necessary for the fourth-year quarterback. Manning told reporters this week that “”I feel 100% right now. We’re kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today, I’d be playing.”
Along with five of his teammates, Manning met with reporters on Wednesday as Texas nears the end of its spring drills. Here are 10 things that he said:
On being limited this spring
“It’s been different, but it’s been good. We’ve got a good group. It’s honestly been kind of unique for me getting a bunch of mental reps and kind of being off to the side. I’ve got to spend a lot of time with these new guys – freshmen and transfers – and the guys coming back. So it’s been fun.”
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On transfer receiver Cam Coleman
“He’s an elite player. He wants to be good, which is the most encouraging thing. He’s a hard worker, and I’m excited.”
On his role in recruiting Coleman
“But it was really Ryan Wingo who went to dinner with him. I had to go to dinner with some linemen who actually ended up not coming. So really, Ryan’s a hero of that recruitment.”
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning watches his former teammates during Texas Longhorns pro day on campus at the University of Texas, March 24, 2026.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
On being idle after his foot surgery
“It was kind of hard on me, because I’m used to playing football. If you’re not in football, you’re in basketball or you’re in baseball. Just always being active and not being able to run or do anything was a little bit challenging. But I think it was good rest for my body.”
On if he had fun last year
“I think I could have had more fun. Kind of the first half of the season, I was pissed. I wasn’t playing well, and it wasn’t fun for me. And then I kind of sort of said, ‘Screw it,’ and had a little more fun and started winning some games.”
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On what he’s seen from backups KJ Lacey and Dia Bell
“They’ve been really good. KJ taking the one reps and Dia getting the two reps. They’ve done a really good job. I’ve been very impressed with them. They can make plays, they’re both hard workers, smart. So it’s been super encouraging.”
On his relationship with former Texas QB Colt McCoy
“He’s been great. Obviously, I have a bunch of great mentors in my life and people to look up to, but it’s always cool having a guy that played here and was in your shoes, and he’s been so open to me. I’ve been super grateful for our relationship.”
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
On Texas WR Parker Livingstone’s transfer to Oklahoma
“I was a little surprised, but Parker’s a good guy. He’s got a good family. Obviously, we were roommates, so I wish him all the best. Can’t say I would have done the same thing, but I wish him all the best.”
On new Texas DC Will Muschamp
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It seems like everyone loves him. He’s got great juice. I’ve actually gone into the defensive meeting room, and he’s walked me through some stuff. He always wants to talk ball. I’m excited to have him on my team, especially (since he has ties to the) Georgia defense, we need to get through there. They’re going to be the team to beat, so it’s been fun to go against the defense during practice.”
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On his plans for the month of May
“I’m going to try to get together with my receivers, have them down in New Orleans, eat some good food, maybe go fishing. So it’ll be fun. And then also get away. I’m going to go on a family vacation and just enjoy the time off. That’s the only time we get off the whole year. So it’s not like the NFL where you get a whole offseason, it’s really just one month. I will get away a little bit, but I want to get with these guys because I didn’t do much this spring.”