Arch Manning reportedly taking less money to help Texas chase ’26 title
Published:
Texas quarterback Arch Manning plans to take a reduced share of the funds set aside for student-athletes by the House settlement in order to help Texas build its roster around him next season, according to a report.
Inside Texas reported the decision on Friday morning. The money that would have otherwise gone to the Longhorns’ star quarterback can now be redirected toward other Texas pursuits in the transfer portal.
The news comes less than 24 hours after head coach Steve Sarkisian made a stunning decision to fire defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and replace him with former Florida and South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp.
In conjunction, they signal a sense of urgency within the Texas program to return to the College Football Playoff after missing out on it this season.
Texas made the 4-team field in 2023 but lost to Washington in the semifinals. Texas earned the 5-seed in the 2024 Playoff and advanced to another semifinal appearance, but lost to the eventual champs in Ohio State.
This season, Texas beat Texas A&M at home to give the Aggies their first loss of the year, but that wasn’t enough to propel the Longhorns into the bracket. Earlier losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia were too much to overcome.
While Sarkisian has made staff changes along the defensive side of the football, the offense needs to take steps.
That goes for Manning, who entered the season as the presumptive Heisman Trophy favorite and ended the regular season 34th nationally in Total QBR. But the famous quarterback also needs more help.
Texas ranked 62nd this season in adjusted EPA per play on offense, according to Game on Paper. In Sarkisian’s first 4 years with the program, Texas never ranked outside the top 40. One of the nation’s worst run games bogged everything down.
That’s one area where Manning’s decision could help. Texas has lost CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson to the transfer portal. Tre Wisner is weighing a departure for the NFL. Texas figures to be in the market for at least 1 new running back.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
