Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Texas QB Arch Manning not shying away from high expectations in 2026: 'No one's going to stop me'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 6:20 PM ET

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning says he has learned to embrace the spotlight, making the talented SEC squad even more competitive in 2026.

Manning — the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli and grandson of 1971 No. 2 pick Archie — spoke with On3's Chris Low ahead of the Longhorns spring practice on Saturday (noon ET, SEC Network/ESPN+). The QB admitted that all the attention that comes with the family name overwhelmed him in his first season as a full-time starter in 2025. But now that he's grown accustomed to it, he believes there's little that can prevent him from leading Texas to a national title in 2026.

Arch Manning discusses expectations for the 2026 season

"I'm not going to shy away from anything," Arch Manning said in the story published Wednesday. "People are allowed to say whatever they want. It doesn't really affect me. I know where I'm going, and no one's going to stop me. So that's where I am with all that."

People called Arch Manning a "flop" after he started the season 3-2 and completed a subpar 44 percent of his passes during a 27-10 win over the UTEP Miners in Week 3.

Arch Manning thanked his teammates for rallying around him during his early struggles and credited them for his late surge. The QB went 7-1 during his last eight starts, which included a 41-27 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, in which he tossed two touchdowns and ran for two more.

Y'all see that speed? pic.twitter.com/JmOoz6VKlG
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 31, 2025

Arch Manning, however, remains unsatisfied. He said he wanted to play for a national title last season and believes he could do so in 2026 after Texas landed former Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft) in the transfer portal.

"If we stay healthy and more consistent, I think we are going to be a great team," he said.

The oddsmakers agree. As of Wednesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives Texas (+750) the third-best national championship odds, behind the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+700) and Ohio State Buckeyes (+600). The Longhorns can see how they stack up against elite teams when they host the Buckeyes on Sept. 12.

Arch Manning's health remains a topic of concern after he underwent minor foot surgery in January. The QB has been limited throughout spring workouts, but he's said he's "100 percent."

With Arch Manning saying he's healthy and the roster reloaded, expectations will remain high for Texas in 2026. Now that the QB seems much more comfortable, the team could meet them.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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