When the Longhorns opened their 2026 campaign in Columbus, Ohio, Arch Manning faced a daunting test against a defense packed with future NFL first‑round picks. The young quarterback threw an interception and the offense converted just five of 14 third‑down attempts, resulting in a loss that set a challenging tone for the season.
Late‑season improvement offers hope
Despite the early setbacks, Manning and the Texas offense found rhythm in the final stretch of the year. Over the last five games he threw 11 touchdowns, including three in a victory over No. 9 Vanderbilt, and limited turnovers to a single interception in a loss to Georgia that ultimately knocked the Longhorns out of playoff contention. The improvement helped Texas upset in‑state rival Texas A&M, keeping the Aggies out of the SEC title game and leaving the Longhorns on the fringe of the College Football Playoff discussion.
Preseason expectations and upcoming schedule
Entering the new season, Texas debuted at No. 5 in the preseason Top 25. The Longhorns open against Texas State before hosting Ohio State in Austin on September 12, offering a chance for early redemption. “We’re excited,” Manning said at SEC Media Days. “Week 2 is a big game, but we have a lot of big games ahead and we’ll take it one day at a time.”
Areas for growth: reads and timing
Manning identified his eyes and timing as the biggest areas for improvement. He explained that making the right reads and getting the ball to the appropriate receiver quickly are critical for keeping the offense “on time.” Specific game film from last season illustrates the issue. Against Florida, Manning locked onto a deep corner route on a 1st‑and‑20 play, ignoring a crossing route that was opening underneath. The forced deep throw was intercepted. A similar pattern appeared on a 2nd‑and‑19 play later in the same game, where he again focused on a deep route and turned the ball over.
In the Georgia loss, a third‑down situation saw Manning fixate on his initial read, resulting in another interception instead of exploiting a backside dig route that could have moved the chains. These examples are common for a younger quarterback still developing his progression skills.
Signs of progress
Later in the season, Manning demonstrated the ability to adjust his reads. Against Arkansas, he connected on four touchdown passes, matching his season‑high from a prior game against San Jose State. In one play, after a fake screen jammed a vertical route, he shifted to a post route and found the receiver for a score. Against Georgia, he later showed the same adaptability by spotting a crossing route on a 1st‑and‑goal and delivering a perfect touchdown pass.
Looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft
Beyond the college season, Manning’s development is being watched by NFL scouts. If he can continue to refine his decision‑making and maintain the upward trajectory shown in the latter part of last year, he could emerge as a candidate for the top quarterback spot in the 2027 NFL Draft.
For Texas fans, the upcoming schedule offers multiple opportunities to gauge whether Manning can lead the Longhorns back to the promised land of national contention. The season’s early tests will be crucial in determining if the quarterback’s growth translates into consistent victories for the program.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
