Arch Manning Urged to Make Major Career Decision After Texas Longhorns’ QB Move

Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian have Ole Miss next in Week 8 as the Texas Longhorns look to bounce back from their loss to the Florida Gators

by Shubham Bajpai

Oct 23, 2026

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates a victory.

Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Arch Manning was the unanimous No.1 overall prospect in the Class of 2023. Manning’s recruitment came down to the Texas Longhorns, Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Ole Miss Rebels. Steve Sarkisian, however, was able to persuade Manning to join Texas over three college football giants in June 2022. With Manning joining the program, expectations were naturally high in Austin.

Manning served as the backup quarterback to Quinn Ewers in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His opportunity to start came in 2025. Manning showed glimpses of brilliance, throwing for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns. Despite decent numbers, it felt like Manning had more to offer, and the 2026 season could be the one where we get to see Manning lead Texas back to its previous heights.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up.

Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, the Texas quarterback hasn’t been able to do so, and Texas’ 4-2 record reflects that. Manning has completed 106 of 166 passes, throwing for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns. Again, the stats aren’t bad, but nowhere close to those elite standards expected of him.

The performances in Texas’ last two losses against the Oklahoma Sooners and the Florida Gators were so bad, that it led to speculation of whether Sarkisian will bench Manning for Ole Miss. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Manning was expected to start, although redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. was expected to receive more first-team repetitions in practice.

The current situation surrounding Texas has prompted Dan Orlovsky to urge Manning to make a major career decision. Appearing on ESPN’s First Take, Orlovsky said, “It’s an offense right now that has absolutely regressed the player, absolutely regressed the player. And I think whatever happens this weekend, cool. I think this relationship is certainly done.”

“I do not believe Arch should go to the NFL. I believe Arch should leave Texas and go to a place that adamantly develops him as a quarterback, that gives you the ability to play quarterback,” he added.

A lot is riding on Manning and Sarkisian’s shoulders as Texas gears up to face Ole Miss in a crucial Week 8 matchup.