Manning avoiding Heisman talk, but hype continues after Manning Passing Academy

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Texas QB Arch Manning avoiding preseason Heisman talk, but that's not going to stop hype after impressive showing at Manning Passing Academy

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 27, 2026 1:11 PM ET

Even after the Texas Longhorns quarterback struggled to meet unrealistic expectations in his first season as a full-time starter, the Arch Manning hype train is rolling again.

As of Saturday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Manning and Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr as preseason Heisman Trophy co-favorites (+750). The Texas star didn't want to talk about that or any other individual awards at the Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La.

Arch Manning reacts to preseason Heisman talk

"I'm just worried about the team," Manning said Friday, via NOLA.com's Jeff Duncan. "I'm just worried about getting through this afternoon workout here in the heat."

After speaking with the media, Manning heated up during "Friday Night Lights," the camp's skills competition. The Texas star showcased his big arm on a deep pass during one of the drills. He also demonstrated improved accuracy in a target contest.

Arch Manning drops it in a bucket at the Manning Passing Academy pic.twitter.com/bFcLLWLJSn
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) June 27, 2026

Arch Manning hitting the targets pic.twitter.com/b8GNZp1WgH
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) June 27, 2026

Becoming a more precise passer will be imperative for Manning this upcoming season. He completed a below-average 61.4 percent of his passes during his sophomore season. That included an ugly showing against the UTEP Miners, in which he completed a season-low 44 percent of his passes, and Longhorn fans booed him.

Arch's grandfather, former Ole Miss Rebels/New Orleans Saints QB Archie Manning, hated hearing those. He said he was "disappointed" with how people turned on him after they had "crowned" him as a Heisman favorite and future No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. But Arch Manning's ability to overcome that made him proud.

Arch Manning finished strong, going 7-1 in his last eight starts after starting 3-2. In a 41-27 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, he tallied 376 yards (221 passing, 155 rushing) and four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing).

It appears Arch Manning will keep building momentum in 2026. On3 named him one of the standouts at the Manning Passing Academy on Friday. Yes, his family runs the camp, but after dropping several dimes, he clearly deserved it.

NEW: 2026 Manning Passing Academy Standouts

(via @whalexander_)https://t.co/hYXSlAQXxu pic.twitter.com/ZNOyoeNH97
— On3 (@On3) June 27, 2026

Arch Manning should continue to make more highlight-worthy plays when he puts the pads on in the fall, thanks to an improved supporting cast. The Longhorns upgraded their skill positions this offseason, landing wide receiver Cam Coleman and running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers in the transfer portal.

A more explosive offense should help Texas compete for its first national championship since 2005. Arch Manning would probably need to book a trip to the Heisman ceremony (scheduled for Dec. 12 in New York) if he's leading a squad that's in the title hunt.

Arch Manning buzz is growing once again. This time it may be for real.

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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