Where Arch Manning Ranks Among Clutchest Returning QBs in College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 11:59 AM ET

The Arch Manning era has begun in Austin, Texas. However, it started on a rocky note after the team achieved its first-ever No. 1 ranking in the preseason AP poll.

Texas began the season with a 3-2 record, which caused them to fall out of the AP poll. During this period, Manning threw for 1,151 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 60% of his passes. However, as the season progressed, Manning's performance improved significantly, leading Texas to a 7-1 record. By the end of the year, he had thrown for 2,012 yards, 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions, increasing his completion percentage to 62.1%.

His performance at the end of the season has generated a lot of optimism for next year. However, a question raised on the "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack" podcast is about the most clutch quarterbacks returning to college football and where Manning ranks among them.

Pollack's co-host, Brent Rollins, evaluated several key factors, such as completion percentage, touchdowns, and turnovers in high-pressure situations. He concluded that Manning is the fifth most clutch quarterback in college football for the upcoming season.

Arch Manning is in his first season as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterbackScott Wachter-Imagn Images

"Three, four and five, Conner Weigman," Rollins said. "Remember, they had a big comeback win at Houston. Drew Mestemaker from North Texas. 9.8 yards per attempt in the fourth quarter, 69% completion percentage. Then Arch Manning. 104 dropbacks, which is way more than any of these other guys had. 54% completion, seven yards per attempts, five touchdowns and two picks. But a lot of big-time throws."

The Longhorns finished the season with a record of 10-3 but did not qualify for the College Football Playoff, marking the first time since 2022 that they missed the end-of-season tournament. However, after adding key playmakers such as wide receiver Cam Coleman and running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, there is renewed optimism that Texas, led by Manning, can overcome this setback and achieve greater success.

If Manning continues to improve as he did at the end of the season, he could not only lead Texas to its first national championship since 2005 but also win the first Heisman Trophy in Austin since 1998. This would be an achievement that his legendary family members, grandfather Archie Manning and uncles Peyton and Eli Manning, were unable to attain.

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

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