How Good Could Arch Manning Be in 2026?![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01ks4sgzsyme0pahf1ce.jpg\" "\\"Texas")
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning looks on before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
There are plenty of reasons to expect Manning to have his best season to date. He spent his first two seasons developing behind the scenes while fellow five-star quarterback recruit Quinn Ewers led the team. This incubation period has helped Manning refine his skills while avoiding the development of bad habits.<\/p>\n
However, he lacked live, on-field action, aside from select plays where Texas leveraged his athleticism in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He did start two games in 2024, but 2025 was his first time on the field as the leader of the offense.<\/p>\n
Over time, this development has paid off. Manning recovered from a slow start and was among the top quarterbacks in the country during the second half of the season. From Weeks 7\u201314, Manning was fourth in the SEC in PFF passing grade (83.0); that rose to third after Week 9 (85.6).<\/p>\n
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01ks4sdt2eac583w8819.jpg\" "\\"Texas")
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning bites into a turkey leg with the help of linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith and ESPN reporter Alyssa Lang after a game at Camping World Stadium. | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
He completed 62.1% of his throws, with 2,012 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions in his final eight games, including the bowl win over Michigan. He also ran for 239 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.<\/p>\n
Extrapolated over the course of a 12-game regular season, Manning\u2019s stats would be 3,018 passing yards, 358.5 rushing yards, 31.5 total touchdowns and just three interceptions. This does not include any theoretical postseason games.<\/p>\n
Weeks<\/p>\n
Passing Y\/G<\/p>\n
Rushing Y\/G<\/p>\n
Total Touchdowns<\/p>\n
Interceptions<\/p>\n
Weeks 1\u20136<\/p>\n
230.2<\/p>\n
32.0<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Weeks 7\u201314 + Bowl Game<\/p>\n
251.5<\/p>\n
29.9<\/p>\n
21<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
Texas added weapons on offense, like running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers and wide receiver Cam Coleman. If Manning can maintain his form, the sky is the limit for him and the Longhorns’ offense.<\/p>\n
The Longhorns failed to reach the College Football Playoff in 2025, ending a two-season streak of appearances. Manning watched behind the scenes as Ewers won 21 games in two seasons, cementing himself among the winningest quarterbacks in program history. He is tied for fourth (27) with Sam Ehlinger.<\/p>\n
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01ks4t0tpj6c8cpd8ecp.jpg\" "\\"Texas")
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Texas quarterbacks Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers talk during the team’s first spring practice of 2023 at the Frank Denius Fields. | Aaron E. Martinez \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n
Could Mannning statistically contend with Ewers\u2019 best season? The latter\u2019s best numbers include 33 total touchdowns in 14 games in 2024, as well as 3,400+ yards in 2023 and 2024. Manning had 37 total touchdowns in 2025 and over 3,100 passing yards.<\/p>\n
While winning will likely be the top priority for Manning and the Longhorns, he could contend for the best quarterback season of the decade. The last Texas quarterback honored as an All-American was Colt McCoy in 2008. Vince Young (2005) is the only other honoree under center since the \u201870s.<\/p>\n
Season<\/p>\n
Quarterback<\/p>\n
Passing Yards<\/p>\n
Rushing Yards<\/p>\n
Total TDs-INTs<\/p>\n
2005<\/p>\n
Vince Young<\/p>\n
3,036<\/p>\n
1,050<\/p>\n
38\u201310<\/p>\n
2008<\/p>\n
Colt McCoy<\/p>\n
3,859<\/p>\n
561<\/p>\n
45\u20138<\/p>\n
2025<\/p>\n
Arch Manning<\/p>\n
3,163<\/p>\n
399<\/p>\n
37\u20137<\/p>\n
Manning\u2019s season was impressive, but it was still far from the greatest season of any Texas quarterback since the turn of the century. Manning\u2019s upside is obvious, and it is not unrealistic to expect that he could contend for All-American recognition in 2026.<\/p>\n
To be remembered among the best in burnt orange, though, will require Manning to win and contend for a national title. The College Football Playoff provides a unique opportunity to accumulate stats through extra games, and a deep run could help Manning achieve some impressive numbers.<\/p>\n
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