Steve Sarkisian comments on Arch Manning’s growth: ‘Poised for a heck of a season’
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Steve Sarkisian thinks Arch Manning is a “very dangerous” quarterback heading into the 2026 college football season.
As the Texas head coach argued on Thursday while speaking at SEC Media Days, the name on the back of his jersey is part of the reason why Manning’s growth from 2025 to 2026 has been so impressive. Just not in the way you’d think.
Sarkisian told reporters that Manning did nothing but work really hard last season as media and fans heaped expectation after expectation on the young quarterback.
“Then we had some failures as a team,” Sarkisian explained. “He didn’t play to the way of what he was capable of playing. Then those same people that were saying that about him wanted to criticize and demean him almost for letting them down because he didn’t live up to what they thought he was going to be. Very interesting concept right there.”
Sarkisian continued by saying the weight of those expectations and the inability to meet them early against Ohio State would have “melted or destroyed” 99% of players in his position. Manning, however, responded well by scoring 20 touchdowns with just 2 turnovers across a 7-1 stretch to end the season.
“I think he learned a lot about himself last year about dealing with adversity and overcoming. I think he learned a lot about his teammates and the support that they gave him and them recognizing the mental and physical toughness that he has to play the position, to be their leader. I think that he’s grown into a great leader for us,” Sarkisian said. “I’m very proud of Arch for the way he’s carried himself, the way he represents the University of Texas.”
“I think right now he’s a very dangerous player because he learned a lot from last season, and he is surrounded by some good players. I think that he’s a guy that’s poised for a heck of a season.”
The Longhorns have another early challenge this year against Ohio State, which won last season’s contest 14-7. We’ll get a good look at Manning and the 2026 Longhorns on September 12 following Week 1’s battle against Texas State on September 5.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
