Arch Manning has completely turned his season around and it has Texas fans urging for 2026

This Texas Longhorns season has been a true rollercoaster. Steve Sarkisian‘s squad came into the season as the consensus No. 1 team in the nation, only to watch all the hype come crashing down during the first game of the season against Ohio State. But more concerning than two losses through the first five games was Arch Manning‘s performances.

Manning was supposed to be a Heisman Trophy favorite, yet his flaws were being exposed more than ever before as Texas’ starting quarterback. As Texas reached the midway point of its season, Manning was dubbed by some as “college football’s first flop“. Thankfully, the season isn’t over after a few games, and Manning has truly turned it around since then. On Saturday, Manning bounced back from the Longhorns’ loss to Georgia with an outstanding five-touchdown performance against Arkansas.

Arch Manning could truly explode in 2026 for Texas Longhorns… if he doesn’t declare for the NFL Draft

The win has Texas with an outside chance to make the College Football Playoff, so long as they beat No. 3 Texas A&M in the final game of the regular season. But even if they don’t make it, there is reason for plenty of optimism heading into 2026.

Manning is unlikely to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after an inconsistent first season as Texas’ starter, and his grandfather, Archie Manning, had already revealed that the 21-year-old will be back for at least another season.

With several strong recruiting classes in the fold and Manning more experienced in Sarkisian’s offensive system, everyone may have been just one year too early on Manning. 2026 could be the one for him to show off his superstar potential.