Arch Manning Comments on Former Texas DB’s Career Decision

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Arch Manning Comments on Former Texas DB’s Career Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 1:31 PM ET

The 2025 college football season was anticipated to be special for the Texas Longhorns, who began the year ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP poll for the first time in the school's history.

This development followed consecutive appearances in 2023 and 2024 in the College Football Playoff semifinals, making the team the only school to achieve this feat. It coincided with the beginning of the Arch Manning era. The grandson of legendary college football quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning was also the top-ranked player in the 2023 recruiting class.

The season did not go as expected for Texas, as the team lost three games during the regular season and failed to qualify for the playoff. Manning threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 61.4% of his passes. He also rushed for 399 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines.© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Now that the season is over, the transfer portal is in full swing. Former Texas defensive back Graham Gillespie, who has recorded three tackles in his career, announced on Instagram that he will be transferring to the North Texas Mean Green. Manning responded by saying, "What a guy."

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Gillespie’s move is one of several smaller ripple effects from a season that did not meet expectations in Austin. While Texas entered 2025 as a national title favorite, finishing outside the College Football Playoff has triggered roster turnover typical of high-profile programs following unmet goals. Players lower on the depth chart are seeking opportunities elsewhere, while the Longhorns evaluate how to reshape the roster moving forward.

For Manning, the reaction underscores his growing leadership presence within the program. Despite a solid individual season, Texas’ inability to contend for a playoff spot has intensified scrutiny around the roster and coaching direction. With Manning firmly entrenched as the face of the program, his role in stabilizing the locker room during the offseason will be closely watched.

Texas now turns its attention to the offseason, where transfer portal decisions and roster development will be critical ahead of spring practices. Expectations once again will be centered on a return to the College Football Playoff.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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