Will we see more of 'Big-Game Arch Manning' in prime-time Texas-LSU matchup?

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Will we see more of 'Big-Game Arch Manning' in prime-time Texas-LSU matchup?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 3:16 PM ET

Even Arch Manning's detractors must admit the Texas Longhorns quarterback delivers in the biggest games.

Since 2025, Manning has an 8-2 record (4-0 this season) against ranked opponents, completing 208-of-320 passes (65 percent, above average) for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns and tossing six interceptions.

Where does that rank in college football?

Per Texas football sports information director John Bianco, no other FBS QB has more ranked victories during this span. Bianco also noted Manning is tied with former Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza (now with the Las Vegas Raiders) for the most victories over top-10 opponents (five) since 2025.

Manning can earn his ninth ranked win when the No. 6 Longhorns (7-2, 4-2 SEC) head to "Death Valley" to face the No. 21 LSU Tigers (6-3, 3-3 SEC) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is hyping his QB before the prime-time matchup.

Arch Manning’s EIGHT wins as a starter versus Top-25 opponents since 2025 are the MOST by any FBS QB in that span

Manning's FIVE victories over Top-10 teams since 2025 are matched only by Fernando Mendoza in that span
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) November 8, 2026

Steve Sarkisian hypes Arch Manning

"Some guys play better the bigger the games... I think Arch definitely rises to the challenge that he's faced with," Sarkisian said Thursday, via Inside Texas.

"Some guys play better the bigger the games... I think Arch definitely rises to the challenge that he's faced with."

Steve Sarkisian said about #Texas QB Arch Manning.
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) November 12, 2026

A sold-out home crowd amplifies that challenge. Many of those LSU fans will tease the New Orleans native for not coming to the school. The QB will try to ignore those chants.

Saturday Night in Death Valley is SOLD OUT pic.twitter.com/7tM1FEM9aB
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 10, 2026

"We're trying to go 1-0 this week," Manning said Monday. "I really don't have any legacy [at LSU]. I have no family who went to LSU. I'm from New Orleans, which is an hour from Baton Rouge. So, there's no real — there's no connection. It's not about me."

Manning's grandfather, former QB Archie, played for the New Orleans Saints from 1971-82 but starred collegiately for the Ole Miss Rebels. Uncle Eli also played for Ole Miss, while uncle Peyton carved out his own legacy with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Still, Arch Manning saying he has no connection to LSU is an overstatement. Per Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, at the Manning Passing Academy in June, the QB said the LSU game was "going to be really cool. Obviously, I grew up going to games there every year. It's a great crowd, and we're excited for the challenge."

Perhaps Arch Manning is trying to forget those memories and focus on a matchup with huge implications for the Longhorns' College Football Playoff hopes. Texas must win two of its next three games to remain in contention. Capturing all three would be ideal for the Horns.

The Longhorns hope they see more of "Big-Game Arch" during this stretch. If Texas does, it may be making its third CFP trip in four years.

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.

More must-reads: