Steve Sarkisian says Texas will be ‘cautious’ with Arch Manning in spring ball
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Arch Manning’s first season as the Texas starting quarterback did not go as planned. He opened the year as the Heisman Trophy favorite, then failed to top 200 passing yards in 4 of his first 7 games. The young signal-caller picked up his play down the stretch, though, giving him some momentum heading into 2026.
The only thing potentially preventing Manning from fully capitalizing on this offseason is a foot surgery he had in January. While the operation was reportedly minor, it had him in a protective boot throughout February. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is not concerned about any lasting effects of Manning’s time under the knife, but told ESPN this week that he’d be taking it slow with Manning in the spring as a precaution.
“He had a lingering thing that he’d been dealing with over a couple of years that we just wanted to clean up,” Sarkisian said, per ESPN’s Heather Dinich. “It wasn’t a serious issue at all. It takes time. You do a procedure on a foot, we’re going to be cautious to make sure he’s 100% healthy before he goes.”
Manning led Texas to a 10-3 record as a redshirt sophomore. He threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, and added 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
With any luck, he’ll lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff and beyond in his second campaign as their starter. Despite not being one of the SEC’s five CFP teams in 2025, Kalshi gives Texas the second-best chance of winning the SEC Championship next season. The Longhorns open the year versus Texas State on Sept. 5.
