Saban outlines why Manning has what it takes to lead Texas to title

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nick Saban outlines why Arch Manning has what it takes to lead Texas to national championship in 2026

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 23, 2026 3:24 PM ET

Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban remains a believer in Texas Longhorns junior quarterback Arch Manning.

Saban, a seven-time national champion, joined ESPN's "Get Up" on Thursday to discuss the upcoming college football season. The "College GameDay" analyst said Texas could be among the best teams in the country this upcoming season if Manning plays up to his potential. He's confident the QB will.

Nick Saban praises Arch Manning heading into 2026

"I think [Manning] is now becoming a better leader," Saban said (h/t On3's Thomas Goldkamp). "I think [the Longhorns] have a more mature team. I think they're going to try to add physicality and be able to run the ball effectively, which they couldn't do last year. I think all these things will affect him in a positive way in terms of his ability to be more consistent at the QB position, because he certainly has the capabilities to lead them to a championship."

Manning showcased some of that talent toward the end of last season. In his last three games, he totaled 1,006 yards (789 passing, 213 rushing and four receiving) and 12 touchdowns (seven passing, four rushing and one receiving).

ARCH MANNING CATCHES A TD

No. 7 Texas' offense is rolling in the first quarter

(via @TexasFootball)pic.twitter.com/0yGmWZwT4w
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 22, 2025

Texas' transfer portal additions should help Manning build off the strong finish to his 2025 season. This offseason, the Longhorns added former Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown, former North Carolina State Wolfpack RB Hollywood Smothers and former Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman.

Coleman may be the most impactful addition. He had 708 yards receiving in 12 games for Auburn last season. Manning is already a fan. He smiled while discussing Coleman at SEC Media Days in Tampa Bay on Thursday.

"He's a great teammate," Manning said. "He works really hard. The good thing about Cam and how we built our relationship is he always wants to throw. He always wants to meet extra. And I think anytime you get a guy like that, it's easier for me to become close with [him]. He's also a good guy. He can joke, and we can go eat. And I'm excited to have him on my team. That's for sure."

"He always wants to throw. He always wants to meet extra, and I think anytime you get a guy like that, it's easier for me to become close with."

Arch Manning on Cam Coleman at SEC media days pic.twitter.com/7GFvqwGZ2f
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) July 23, 2026

If Manning and his new weapons jell, the Longhorns could return to the College Football Playoff after narrowly missing it during a 10-3 2025 season. As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives Texas the fourth-best odds to win a national title (+850).

Texas still has some issues, mainly on the offensive line, to solve before it kicks off the season against the Texas State Bobcats on Sept. 5 (ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET). But it has no questions at the most important position. Manning could clearly fulfill Saban's high expectations in 2026.

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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