Arch Manning Reflects on First Season as Texas Starter, Looks Ahead to 2026

Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with a different perspective than he had a year ago. After taking over as Texas’ starting quarterback in 2025, Manning has now experienced the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading the Longhorns’ offense.

With his first season in the role behind him, Manning has focused on preparation and consistency as he continues to develop on and off the field. Rather than looking ahead to outside expectations, his approach has centered on the daily process.

“My goal this offseason was just to stay present, take it one day at a time, and not really worry about the outside world,” Manning said. “That’s what I continue to try to do.”

That mindset has also carried into Manning’s continued work with head coach Steve Sarkisian. After spending a full season together with Manning as the starter, the quarterback said the relationship between the two has continued to grow as they prepare for another year together.

“We have a great relationship,” Manning said. “I think he has a great relationship with our whole team, and we all trust him, and we’re excited to play for him, and I’m excited for Year 2 [as the starting quarterback] with him.”

Manning’s first season leading the Longhorns’ offense came with the responsibility of guiding one of college football’s most high-profile programs. The experience brought new challenges and opportunities for growth as he adjusted to the demands of the position and the expectations that came with it.

“I’ve become more poised. I’ve obviously matured,” Manning explained. “Going through those dark times, I learned a lot about myself and I’ve become a better man because of it and hopefully a better player.”

Now, he enters the 2026 season with the benefit of a year spent navigating the responsibilities of leading Texas’ offense. That experience has shaped his offseason approach as he prepares for what comes next in his Longhorn career.