ORLANDO, Fla. – Even though one game remains in the Texas football season, questions about how the Longhorns will look on offense in 2026 can now be asked.

Will Texas overhaul its offensive line? Who will be the team’s leading running back next season since CJ Baxter Jr. and Quintrevion Wisner are transferring elsewhere? Can UT’s young receivers take the next step?

Before Sunday, Manning hadn’t publicly discussed his decision to return to Texas. His father, Cooper, was the one who confirmed the news to ESPN.

Manning, though, was asked about his decision on Sunday morning at a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Manning was joined for his 15-minute session on the podium by offensive coordinator Kyle Flood and left tackle Trevor Goosby.

“I feel like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going,” Manning said. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I’ve got a lot of football left to play, and I’m excited to still be a part of this team.”

Manning has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season as a full-time starter while completing 61.4% of his passes. He has also rushed for eight touchdowns.

“Obviously, you look at the quarterback (when breaking down the Texas offense). He’s a very talented young man,” Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said on Sunday. “Respect to that entire family.”

On New Year’s Eve, Manning will lead Texas (9-3) into a Citrus Bowl showdown against Michigan (9-3). This will be just the third-ever meeting between Michigan and Texas, which respectively rank first and fifth on college football’s all-time wins chart. The two teams will reunite in Austin during the 2027 football season.

Texas has never played before in the Citrus Bowl. Manning, though, has a tie to the game. His uncle, Peyton, started for Tennessee in its wins over Ohio State and Northwestern at the 1996 and 1997 Citrus Bowls. In a 20-14 win over Ohio State, Peyton Manning threw for 182 yards and one touchdown. One year later, he accumulated 408 passing yards and five total touchdowns as the Volunteers beat Northwestern by 20 points.

“I was in New Orleans over the (holiday) break, and my grandfather told me about those games,” Arch Manning said. “It’s cool being a part of this game, especially that he played in. We’re excited to go play a good Michigan team.”