What a more self-realized Arch Manning means for the Texas Longhorns

What you're seeing is pressure in action, right there, but the good news for Texas heading into 2026 is that Manning has apparently started to find himself a bit.

According to head coach Steve Sarkisian at SEC Media Days, the quarterback has grown in confidence.

“He’s a lot more confident,” Sarkisian said (h/t On3). “I think that last season, he found out a lot about himself. Anytime we’re faced with adversity and we get on the other side of it, you gain confidence. You see a different leader in him, in the way that he interacts with his teammates."

Arch Manning feeling comfortable and confident heading into 2026 

What does a self-actualized version of Manning look like?

“The work ethic has to change, but I think the ability to lead vocally is much different than before," Sarkisian explained. "He’s very comfortable with who he is, and he’s not trying to be something that he’s not. He knows who he is, and I think you’ll probably get a very similar version of him this year, that you had last year.”

Getting leadership out of your quarterback can be the difference between being good and great, so the Longhorns have to be excited about a Manning who has taken the mantle of vocal leadership in the locker room.

As for being the player he was last year, while there were certainly some struggles, it's worth remembering that Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns (seven interceptions) and rushed for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Even a Manning who hasn't figured it all out was well above average for Texas, so it will be interesting to see if this more comfortable version of the young signal-caller will lead to better and better play.

Texas is certainly hoping that's the case, because if Manning can clean some things up, the Longhorns will be a title contender in 2026.