
College Football Reaches 778 Schools with Record 10 New Programs in 2026
From junior‑college transitions to program revivals, 2026 saw ten new or reinstated football teams launch across the United States, underscoring the sport’s enduring appeal.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Archie Manning across Football.

From junior‑college transitions to program revivals, 2026 saw ten new or reinstated football teams launch across the United States, underscoring the sport’s enduring appeal.

Katin Houser, the Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback, has been named to the 2026 Manning Award preseason watch list, reflecting a career that spans multiple programs and a statistical résumé that positions him as a leading candidate for the award.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Renowned broadcaster Charlie Neal, who died at 80, transformed HBCU football visibility through groundbreaking work at BET and ESPNU, mentoring a new generation of commentators.

In a rain‑delayed contest in Chattanooga, Baylor’s young stars showcased a blend of family legacy and athletic prowess, setting the tone for a season many expect to be dominant.
Marshall Manning, son of NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, opened his high school career with a solid performance for Baylor School in Chattanooga.

Freshman quarterback Marshall Manning stepped onto the varsity field for the first time in a preseason scrimmage, wearing his father’s number 16 and beginning what many expect to be a storied career.
A bronze statue honoring Archie Manning, a cornerstone of Ole Miss football history, is set to be installed on campus, joining a select group of athletic icons already celebrated by the university.

ESPN’s Power 4 list crowned Nick Saban as LSU’s top archenemy, reviving a rivalry that has defined college football for decades. This article traces Saban’s journey from Baton Rouge to Alabama, the key battles with the Tigers, and the lasting impact of his career.

A look at the life, career, and enduring influence of Billy Ray Smith Jr., a defensive stalwart whose family lineage and contributions shaped American football.

While ESPN’s list highlights two stunning Southern Miss victories, a deeper look reveals three other games that reshaped the program’s legacy.
From Alabama's storied legacy to Georgia's modern dominance, the SEC's top programs blend history, talent, and fan fervor into a unique football culture.

The National Football Foundation’s Campbell Trophy Summit convenes over 350 alumni and leaders at Stanford University, blending TED‑style talks, mentorship sessions, and team‑building activities to extend the lessons of the gridiron into every facet of professional life.
The latest rankings highlight Ohio State’s dominance, Alabama’s championship pedigree, and the resurgence of programs like Indiana and SMU, while traditional powers such as Clemson and Nebraska see a dip. Coaching changes and historic legacies shape the conversation.
The SEC opener between the Volunteers and the Longhorns revives a decades‑old rivalry, with the Manning family at the center of the narrative.

Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback, looks forward to his first game against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2026, a milestone that marks the Longhorns' inaugural trip to the Volunteers' home stadium.

At SEC media days, new head coach Jon Sumrall expressed excitement about revitalizing the Florida Gators, emphasizing fan connection, stadium upgrades, and a fierce approach to the Georgia rivalry.

Florida’s newly appointed head coach Jon Sumrall lauded Arkansas cornerback Jaheim Johnson during SEC Media Days, highlighting the player’s work ethic, character, and the broader dynamics shaping the conference.
At the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, Oklahoma State’s rising star Drew Mestemaker impressed both coaches and peers, receiving commendation from Archie Manning and solidifying his place among the nation’s top quarterbacks.

Arch Manning's rising draft stock and potential fifth‑year stay at Texas spark debate about the future of the NFL draft and the evolving role of college athletes.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, ESPN analyst Chris Low places Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss at the top of his quarterback rankings, citing his playoff performance, leadership and a recent injunction that secures his eligibility. The article also examines Arch Manning’s pedigree and statistics, positioning him as a formidable challenger.

Arch Manning spent a week at the Manning Passing Academy, where he exchanged ideas with top college quarterbacks, learned from his football‑legend family, and looked ahead to a potential Texas‑Ohio State showdown.

The 30th anniversary of the Manning Passing Academy highlights its growth from a small camp in 1996 to a major economic engine for Thibodaux and a lasting family tradition in south Louisiana.

During a four‑day clinic in Louisiana, Arch Manning explains why his brother Heid tops the family’s comedy rankings, outshining even their father Cooper and patriarch Archie, while the Manning name continues to blend sport and satire.