Arch Manning explains how he’s grown ‘more present’, ‘mature’ since Texas loss to Ohio State in 2025
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Arch Manning is used to the national spotlight, but it will be brighter than it’s ever been as he leads the Texas offense in 2026.
Most foreseeable outcomes have Manning declaring for the 2027 NFL Draft. Some may have him returning for one last ride in 2027. Right now, his eyes are focused on the upcoming season and nothing else.
Manning, at SEC Media Days on Thursday, was asked by On3’s Evan Vieth to reflect on the 2025 season opener at Ohio State — a 14-7 Longhorns loss that saw Manning throw for just 170 yards — and compare that to where he is currently.
“I think I’ve become more present, obviously more mature,” Manning said. “I think going through those rough times, (I) learned a lot about myself, became a better man because of it, and hopefully a better player. I don’t want to repeat that game.”
After some up-and-down performances throughout 2025, Manning rounded into form later in the season. He posted back-to-back 300-plus-yard, three-touchdown games against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Then, after a loss to Georgia, he threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Arkansas before leading the Longhorns to a win over Texas A&M. In the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, he threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns while running for 155 yards and two more scores in a 41-27 win.
Texas opens against Texas State on Sept. 5 before hosting Ohio State on Sept. 12, the second half of a home-and-home series with the Big Ten powerhouse.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
