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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the college football game between the Texas Longhorns and UTSA Roadrunners on September 19, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas’ offensive unit was herky-jerky with quarterback (QB) Arch Manning at the helm against No. 50 UTSA (CBS Sports). To make matters worse, the Longhorns came into this game ranked No. 1.
Of course⎯
I didn’t watch this game from a college football perspective. I viewed it through my “NFL colored glasses.” In other words, I watched how Manning’s performance against the Roadrunners translates to the NFL.
Not too well.
That’s the short answer.
Manning looked like a third-string NFL QB prospect against UTSA, and that’s saying something when you consider the collegiate level of competition. He looked like a conservative natured inconsistent game manager.
What was Manning’s stat line against UTSA?
17 of 33 (51.5%) for 164 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
Say what?
Yeah, it wasn’t that good.
WATCH TEXAS VS. UTSA BY CLICKING HERE
Manning barely completed half his passes against the No. 50-ranked college team in the country.
How will that look against the Eagles, Steelers, and 49ers?
That’s the question I ask myself.
NFL positives
Tough
Kept his eyes downfield
Poised
Exhibited patience in the pocket
Showed the ability to pick up chunks of yardage with his legs
NFL negatives
Mostly lined up in shotgun formation
Clapping cadence
Uninspiring methodical pre-snap pace
Low energy level
Bad body language
Hard locks with targets for an extra noticeable moment before throwing
Tendency to throw with too much upper body and arm, attempting to aim and steer the ball as opposed to relying on an equally distributed follow-through
Pro Football Focus Time to Throw: 3.00 seconds vs. UTSA
Poor ball security – four passes broken up (PBUs)
Inconsistent on his second-read throws
Seems to trust his legs more than his throwing arm
Inconsistent protecting his body as a runner (got hit so hard once that his helmet came off)
0/4 deep passing attempts (+20 air yards)
Run game carried Manning in this one
The Longhorns had 48 rushing attempts for 228 yards against UTSA; Manning accounted for nine carries for 50 of those yards.
When all else failed, as it often did, Manning reverted to handing the ball off or taking off himself.
I was definitely more impressed with Texas’ running attack than I was with Manning’s passing game.
NFL Takeaway
I was contemplating dropping Manning from a second-round grade to a third-round grade after the game prior against Ohio State, but now I am entertaining a fourth-round grade in the 2027 NFL Draft after watching him lead Texas to a 30-6 victory over UTSA. Fourth round is a low-ceiling developmental grade in my book.
In other words⎯
Manning has a long way to go from an NFL perspective.
To his defense, his receivers did have difficulty creating separation periodically against UTSA. That weighs on my mind somewhat, but his process is too slow, and his decision-making is suspect. His mechanics and ball placement are off. It didn’t feel like he was connecting with his teammates either. He looked like he was off in his own little world.
Manning seemed more interested in watching the replays of his plays than he did in the plays themselves against UTSA. The cameras kept showing him looking up at the replay after failed plays. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but something is going on. He gave off a vibe of being irritated. It was stronger than I’d ever felt coming from him before.
I felt it, and I saw it on his face.
I felt a strong feeling of irritation myself while watching him play in this game.
Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.