AUSTIN, Texas — Redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who has accounted for 33 touchdowns with seven interceptions heading into a Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Dec. 31, will return to Texas for the 2026 season, a source close to the situation told Horns247 on Monday.
Manning is eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, but after just 14 collegiate starts, thus far, the 6-foot-4, 219-pound Longhorns’ quarterback wants to continue to grow and develop under Texas coach and offensive play caller Steve Sarkisian, the source said.
“I’m forever grateful for him,” Manning said of Sarkisian after giving his coach a game ball following Texas’ 27-17 victory over then-No. 3 Texas A&M on Nov. 28. “When I wasn’t playing well, I was missing throws and probably making his play calls look bad, he could’ve thrown me under the bus, but he never did. He always uplifted me. He never blamed it on me in the media or anything. We just kept chopping wood.”
When Sarkisian was asked earlier this month if Manning would be returning to Texas next season, he smiled and said, “I haven’t asked him. Maybe I should. I feel pretty good about it.”
Texas (9-3) will take on Michigan (9-3) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 31 at 2 pm CT.
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