On Monday, No. 7 Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed rumors that starting quarterback Arch Manning is battling an injury early in the season.
The questions started when a video surfaced on X of Manning appearing to be in discomfort and wincing when attempting a pass Saturday against San Jose State.
When talking to the media on Monday, Sarkisian confirmed Manning does not have an injury and suggested the facial expression was due to the throwing motion and not because of physical pain.
"He doesn’t have any (injury),” Sarkisian said via video from On3. “I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
Oh man, I can’t believe he had to say this but I’m glad he did. You can see a glimmer in his eye where he’s proud of the quip. pic.twitter.com/xF06rhNvgG
— EricInsideTexas (@EricNahlin) September 8, 2025
Manning played better against the Spartans than he did in the season-opener against Ohio State. The redshirt sophomore went 19-of-30 passing for 295 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the Longhorns' 38-7 win over San Jose State. Manning also added 23 yards and a touchdown on four carries.
The online speculation of Manning's injury is part of the territory of being under a microscope for the young quarterback. Every play and emotion the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite has will be scrutinized this season.
Part of the speculation is the fault of the Longhorns. Texas downplayed the torn oblique of Quinn Ewers last season, which affected the quarterback's play during the regular season and run in the College Football Playoff.
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