Joel Klatt believes Arch Manning has been 'okay at best'

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Joel Klatt believes Texas QB Arch Manning has been 'okay at best'

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Entering the college football season, the Texas Longhorns were expected to have one of the top quarterbacks in all of college football with junior Arch Manning.

Despite the Longhorns entering Week 4 undefeated and ranked No. 1, some people still haven't been impressed by Manning's play this season.

That includes Fox Sports' Joel Klatt, who spoke to Colin Cowherd about that Wednesday.

Joel Klatt believes Arch Manning has been 'okay' this season

Klatt joined "The Herd" on Wednesday afternoon and spoke to Cowherd about Manning's play through the games. Even with a win against Ohio State, Klatt has not been impressed by what he's seen from Manning.

"Arch has just been okay, at best," Klatt said. "He played really gritty for three series against Ohio State and competed his butt off... He played a really gritty, schoolyard three series. Outside of that, he needs to play better."

"Arch has just been okay at best... He needs to play better."@colincowherd & @joelklatt talk Arch Manning & Texas' upcoming game against Tennessee pic.twitter.com/3nEB5JWbd7
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 23, 2026

The stats seem to back up the claims from Joel Klatt

When digging into Manning's stats this season, it appears that Klatt may be correct in his evaluation. Take away the three aforementioned series that Klatt mentioned, and Manning has been average at best.

Outside of those three series against the Buckeyes, Manning has completed just 47 of 79 attempts (59.4%) for 550 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

Over half of Manning's season rushing yards also came in those three series, so that is another area he's been below average in.

Arch Manning just put together the MOST SIGNATURE performance of his career.

Despite a lackluster stat line, Manning made BIG THROW after BIG THROW.

The Texas QB just MADE HIS CASE for being the first overall pick in the NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/oudJ1L2Ujy
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) September 13, 2026

Arch Manning has a major test ahead of him on Saturday against Tennessee

Manning will have one of the biggest games of his career on Saturday when Texas travels to Neyland Stadium for a top-15 showdown against the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers.

A good performance and win for Manning in what is considered one of the toughest environments in college football would be excellent for his draft stock and the way the national media views him.

A loss, though, and the criticism of Manning's ability to perform well against top competition will only get louder and louder throughout the remainder of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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