Arch Manning, the senior quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has been named to the preseason watch list for The Manning Award, a honor that celebrates the nation’s most outstanding college quarterback.
Preseason Watch List Honors
The award, created in tribute to Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning, has previously recognized Texas legends such as Vince Young and Colt McCoy, setting a high bar for the current signal‑caller.
In his first full season as a starter, Manning guided the Longhorns to a 10‑3 overall record, highlighted by four victories over teams ranked in the AP Top‑20 and a three‑game winning streak that propelled the team to its third straight ten‑win season.
A Season of Records
Manning’s statistical line was equally impressive: he completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, while adding 399 rushing yards and ten scores on the ground, showcasing a rare dual‑threat ability.
A Historic Matchup Against Michigan
His performance against Michigan in the Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl earned him MVP honors, as he amassed 1,714 passing yards and 205 rushing yards, averaging 320 total yards per game and scoring 20 touchdowns without a single turnover.
The game was historic, marking the first time a Texas quarterback had recorded at least 200 passing yards, 150 rushing yards, multiple touchdowns and no sacks in a single contest, a feat unmatched in the past 30 seasons at the FBS level.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Beyond the Michigan showdown, Manning’s season featured standout outings against Georgia, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Oklahoma, each earning him SEC Offensive Player of the Week recognition and reinforcing his status as a premier playmaker. Looking ahead, Texas will open the 2026 season against Texas State on September 5, a matchup that promises to continue the quarterback’s ascent and the Longhorns’ pursuit of another championship‑contending year.