Texas QB Arch Manning opens up about offseason surgery ahead of open practice

As the Texas Longhorns prepare to host an open practice this Saturday, the team's biggest star, junior quarterback Arch Manning, isn't expected to participate. But after offseason foot surgery, Manning is still on track to enter the 2026 season fully healthy. In fact, he may already be.

When talking with reporters Wednesday, the No. 1 recruit of the 2023 cycle said he felt "100 percent" and that the Longhorns are simply "kind of taking it slow.

"But if we had a game today, I'd be playing," Manning added, according to ESPN's Dave Wilson.

The second-year starter underwent surgery in January, with Texas describing the procedure "as a preventative measure to address a previous injury."

Arch Manning unlikely participate in open spring practice following offseason foot surgery

Per Wilson, Manning is unlikely to play in Saturday's open practice, which is being held in lieu of a spring game. 

The cautious approach is wise for Texas' most important player as the program seeks its first national championship since 2005. Last season, the Longhorns opened as the No. 1 team in the country, but losses to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida Gators knocked them out of the Associated Press Top 25 altogether by the first weekend of October.

Texas rallied to win seven of its last eight, with Manning pointing toward one team meeting after an ugly 16-13 comeback win at the Kentucky Wildcats in particular as a pivotal moment in the season.

"We all got closer as an offense, as a team," Manning said. "I think we started to play better and think y'all could maybe see it on the field."

The numbers support Manning.

Texas averaged over a touchdown and nearly 70 passing yards more per game during its 5-1 finish to the season, and it must carry that production into 2026 considering it hosts the Ohio State Buckeyes, who won a 14-7 defensive battle in last season's opener, in Week 2.

With a productive junior year, Manning will not only help the Longhorns' chances of making the College Football Playoff for the second time in three seasons but also bolster his odds of being the selected No. 1 overall in next year's NFL Draft.

Even without a full spring, Manning shouldn't be limited when fall arrives. That's great news for Texas, which won't be able to get where it wants without him leading its offense.