Competition levels in Texas have taken a noticeable jump. As spring practice gets underway, teams are beginning to fine-tune their rosters ahead of next season. For Texas, that includes some early trash talk from Arch Manning to some of the Longhorns’ top players.
Competition brings out the best in everyone, and Texas is no exception. In a state where everything is “bigger,” that includes the expectations for the Longhorns football program. Manning’s sharp trash talk has the Texas camp on edge this spring.
Arch Manning’s Savage Trash Talk Has Texas Camp on Edge
Manning was direct and confident during roughly 12 minutes with local media on Thursday. He didn’t offer long answers, but he responded honestly and without hesitation. He said he’s excited to compete against the defense this spring, noting it fuels his competitive edge.
Competition levels on the 40 Acres have taken a jump this spring.
In large part due to QB Arch Manning’s willingness to “talk crap” to Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons and Michael Taaffe.
Plenty of chirping and smack-talk ongoing between the O & D this spring.@ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/9DYm2ezRaz
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) April 10, 2025
Head coach Steve Sarkisian pointed out Manning’s competitive nature earlier in the week. Manning added that it’s “fun” to talk trash in practice to teammates like Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill and Michael Taaffe.
“That’s just the competition we have on this team,” Manning said. “Collin and Anthony are good players. It’s kind of fun in practice to talk a little crap to them. Same with Taaffe, that just makes practice more fun.”
Simmons, an edge rusher, is entering his sophomore season and is expected to take a step forward. Hill, a linebacker, heads into his junior year with similar expectations on defense.
Taaffe, a redshirt senior, has an interesting path heading into the season and plenty to prove. Manning makes sure to remind him of that during practice. Still, the quarterback said it’s all friendly competition between teammates—and that it helps everyone improve.
One thing is certain: trash talk or not, Texas is aiming for another big year after last season’s strong finish. Manning is expected to be one of college football’s most-watched quarterbacks and could enter the 2026 NFL Draft after the season.
MORE: Arch Manning Is ‘Too Damn Good to Fail’
Time will tell, but Longhorns fans have plenty to be excited about.
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