Texas quarterback Arch Manning took plenty of criticism last season amid his highly anticipated first season as the starter in Austin.
But head coach Steve Sarkisian sees the trials and tribulations that Manning went through as a building block for the 2026 season.
“What he got through probably would have melted or destroyed 99 percent of the people in his shoes,” Sarkisian said during SEC Media Days on Thursday, according to The Athletic. “Right now he’s a very dangerous player because he learned a lot from last season, and he is surrounded by some good players. I think that he’s a guy that’s poised for a heck of a season.”
Arch Manning celebrates as he scores a rushing touchdown during Texas’ win over Moichigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl aat Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. TNS
Manning underwent surgery on his foot in the winter and, once he was cleared to return this spring, started to work with the running backs and receivers.
The quarterback also has been working on his short-yardage game, which he admitted to reporters was “not very good” when his stat of 56.3 completion percentage on passes between 0 and 10 yards was brought up Thursday.
Manning improved during his final six games of the 2025 season after a rough start, throwing 14 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.
What helped Manning was putting everything into perspective.
“I was mad at myself,” Manning said Thursday, according to ESPN. “I’m like, why am I not playing well? It’s not supposed to be like this. I’m letting myself down. I’m letting the team down, the fans. And it was definitely challenging, but I think there’s nothing you can do besides keep trying to get better and work hard and get through it. And I knew I was going to get through it. It just took some time.”
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks at SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 23, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. Getty Images
This season, all eyes will continue to be on Manning, but the 22-year-old seems to be prepared for it.
He gets his first chance to put it all together against Texas State on Sept. 5.
