Steve Sarkisian says Arch Manning took pay cut when signing with Texas out of high school
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Steve Sarkisian understands that Arch Manning could have practically named his own price when being recruited by Texas out of high school.
Ultimately, that didn’t happen, meaning more resources freed up for other players.
“Arch could have dragged us over the coals for six million, seven million, whatever he wanted. That’s an extra five million that I can go get a Cam Coleman, go get a Hollywood Smothers and go get a Rasheem Biles,” Sarkisian told On3’s Chris Low.
Manning still got paid, naturally. Low noted that the Texas QB is “believed to be making $2M.” Coupled with NIL deals, he is reportedly making just north of $5 million, making him the most valuable college athlete in the country.
On the field, Manning’s first season as the starter behind center got off to a shaky start before a late-season turnaround. In the end, it wasn’t enough to get the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff for a third straight season.
With Biles, Coleman, and Smothers in the fold on Steve Sarkisian‘s team in 2026 — and a confident Manning that could be a top prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft — the Longhorns hope they are well-positioned to not just return to the CFP, but win it altogether.
Here’s the latest Kalshi market on which 12 teams will make the Playoff:
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.
