Arch Manning finished strong to end the 2025 season, registering a 41-27 win against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl. The Texas Longhorns quarterback might have failed to lead the program into the College Football Playoff, but his latest performance highlighted the dual-threat upside he carries.
Manning threw for 221 yards, completing 21 of 35 passes, for two touchdowns. He also rushed for 155 yards on nine carries, including two more scores. Such a performance elicited praise from a football analyst.
Mike Greenberg appreciated Manning’s decision to return to Texas for the 2026 season, while adding that if the quarterback decides to enter the 2026 NFL draft, he would’ve been picked first overall.
“I’m glad Arch Manning is going back to school. There’s no reason for him to rush through this stage of his life and career. But, if he was in this draft I think he would be the number one pick,” Greenberg wrote.
I’m glad Arch Manning is going back to school. There’s no reason for him to rush through this stage of his life and career. But, if he was in this draft I think he would be the number one pick. #Texas
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 31, 2025
Greenberg referenced Manning’s earlier words, where he addressed speculations about his potential exit from college football. He said there’s “no reason” to leave Texas, while adding:
“I feel like I developed a lot this year, especially toward the back half and I want to keep it going. There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play and excited to still be a part of this team.”
In the 2025 season, Arch Manning has thrown for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a quarterback rating of 78.2.
Steve Sarkisian Makes Expectations Clear For Arch Manning
Throughout the season, despite what goes on the outside, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been consistent with his positive remarks for Arch Manning. Ahead of the Citrus Bowl, Sarkisian said that as the season progressed, Manning had improved not only physically but also “mentally and maturity-wise.” The head coach predicted Manning would likely return for the 2026 season.
“I would think he’s going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian added a reason why Manning would want to stay at Texas and complete unfinished business.
“We had a really good football season,” Sarkisian said. “But we left some meat on the bone with an opportunity to be SEC champs, national champs… I think the competitor in him is going to say, ‘Man, I sure would like another crack at trying those things.'”
With Manning returning, Sarkisian needs to make sure he is surrounded by talent.
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