Arch Manning Isn't Buying the Hype or the Hate

TAMPA, Fla. — It was hardly a guarantee that he'd be back here. In this same setting. Representing the same team. Answering these same questions.

Arch Manning's first SEC media days appearance last summer was thought to be his last. This was a member of football's first family and, finally, Texas' starting quarterback. Enjoy him while you can.

Much was ascribed to Manning ahead of that first season under center. He was to win the Heisman Trophy and lead his team to a national championship, things his uncles never did. Manning was also forecast to go No. 1 in the NFL Draft, just like Peyton and Eli.

None of that happened. Which might be why Manning is back for another season representing the Longhorns. Maybe that was always the plan. Maybe he'll stick around in Austin for one more year.

Manning doesn't have much to say about the hyperbole that tends to follow him, good or bad. He doesn't buy into the hype — How does it feel to be the potential No. 1 pick in 2027 — or hate — How does it feel to be considered the biggest flop in college football?

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian had thoughts on both sides of that coin.

"Arch Manning a year ago wasn't on social media or on television saying I'm going to be the first pick of the draft," Sarkisian said. "He wasn't on television saying I'm going to win the Heisman Trophy. All he did was work really hard. All he did was try to be the best teammate he can be.

"Then we had some failures as a team. 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. I think the way of what he got put through probably would have melted or destroyed 99% of people in his shoes."

Not Manning. He faced the music by returning to this event to field questions that are sure to fuel another hype train. Not every SEC team sent their starting quarterback.

Manning made it clear that he'd much rather be chased around in a collapsing pocket by All-SEC edge-rushers than followed around a hotel conference room by reporters. Asked about a game in the distant future, he responded that he's focused on just getting through the interview. He also confirmed there's no media career in his future.

But there was a noticeable increase in comfortability this time around. More smiles. A few laughs. Even some jokes.

“I broke 80 for the first time last week," Manning said of his golf score. "It probably was an 80. I gave myself a putt.”

(Not much about the experience of being Arch Manning seems particularly relatable, but that certainly is.)

Manning said playing golf helps with his mental game, a welcome reprieve from all the pressure and comparisons. And he shared that he has a strong support system when he's struggling. Luckily, there are people in his life who have been there before.

After a slow start to the 2025 season, every game became a playoff game for Manning and the Longhorns. And because their College Football Playoff pursuit ultimately came up short, what he did down the stretch is a bit lost to history.

"He came out and played the second half of the season at a really high level," Sarkisian said. "We go 7-1. He's got 20 touchdowns, only two turnovers. He's a fantastic player at the end of the year, but he didn't go back on social media and say 'I told you so.' All he's done this year is continue to work hard again."

Manning said one of his favorite moments was celebrating with his teammates after the Citrus Bowl win over Michigan. He admitted that wasn't the postseason game Texas hoped to play in, but it was a performance to be proud of: two passing touchdowns, two more on the ground and a career-high 155 rushing yards to boot. Manning was playing uninhibited.

It might be harder to perform like that against one of the toughest schedules in the country. But this isn't the same Manning who rode the ups and downs last fall, dealing with growing pains of a new role along the way.

"I think I've become more present," Manning said. "I've obviously matured. I think going through those rough times, I learned a lot about myself. And I've become a better man because of it and hopefully a better player."

Not many people expected to get to see that version play another game against Ohio State or get a rematch against Florida. But there must be some value in those experiences. And maybe, just like at media days, things will be a little easier the second time around.