In Austin, the Texas Longhorns are making a concerted effort to build a championship‑contending team around quarterback Arch Manning. After a mixed sophomore season, head coach Steve Sarkisian has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to bring in players who fit Manning’s skill set and the program’s offensive vision.
Last season’s lessons
Last year Texas entered the season ranked No. 1 and Manning was an early Heisman Trophy favorite. A 3‑2 start, however, saw the Longhorns stumble and the quarterback face harsh criticism from national media. The team rallied to finish 7‑1, earning a spot in the Citrus Bowl where they defeated Michigan, but the selection committee left Texas out of the College Football Playoff, ending a 21‑year title drought without a chance to compete for the championship.
Key roster changes
Recognizing the need for fresh talent, Sarkisian oversaw the departure of several veterans via the transfer portal, including running back Tre Wisner (Florida State) and receivers Parker Livingstone (Oklahoma) and DeAndre Moore Jr. (Colorado). To replace them, Texas added running backs Raleek Brown (Arizona State) and Hollywood Smothers (North Carolina State), along with elite wide receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn.
“(Livingstone) was my roommate, so playing against him now is a change,” Manning said, noting how the new landscape reflects the modern, fluid nature of college football.
Financial flexibility
Beyond on‑field adjustments, Manning’s sponsorship agreements with brands such as Red Bull and Uber have reportedly allowed him to forgo a larger share of revenue from the university. Coach Sarkisian said those savings have been redirected to acquire the new talent, stating, “That freed up several million dollars that I can go get a Cam Coleman, go get a Hollywood Smothers and go get a linebacker like Rasheem Biles.”
Looking ahead
The Longhorns open the 2026 season against Ohio State on Sept. 12, followed by a SEC matchup at Tennessee on Sept. 27. Wins in those games could propel Manning back onto Heisman watch lists by October and keep Texas in the national title conversation.
If the team falters, the early loss to Ohio State last season will likely be revisited. Manning reflected on that experience, saying, “I’ve obviously matured. Going through those rough times taught me a lot about myself, and I’ve become a better man and a better player. I don’t want to repeat that game.”
Family perspective
Archie Manning, the quarterback’s grandfather, praised his grandson’s composure, noting that critics had “crowned him before he ever played” but that Arch has kept his head down and continued to fight. Coach Sarkisian added that the adversity Manning faced last season forged a stronger leader, saying, “What he went through would have melted or destroyed 99 % of people in his shoes. He stayed consistent, worked hard, and grew into a great leader for us.”
As Texas continues to invest in its football program, the focus remains on giving Arch Manning the tools and support needed to fulfill the lofty expectations of Longhorn fans and bring a national championship back to Austin.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
