Arch Manning and the No. 1 Texas Longhorns remain unbeaten after surviving one of their toughest tests of the season, a 20-17 victory over the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers last Saturday.
Just a few days later, Texas quarterback Arch Manning received a notable individual honor as TIME named him to its 2026 TIME100 Next list Wednesday, recognizing 100 emerging leaders from around the world.
Manning, 22, was one of several athletes selected, alongside bona fide stars like Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and tennis player Alexandra Eala.
Actor and prominent Texas fan Matthew McConaughey wrote Manning’s TIME100 Next profile, addressing the extraordinary attention the quarterback has gathered throughout his college career.
“Arch Manning has faced a hype train like we’ve never really seen before,” McConaughey wrote. “Last year, people wondered what was wrong if he threw a frickin’ incomplete pass. But now, after a promising second half to last season, some added offensive weapons, and most importantly some time to settle into himself, the occasion for Arch’s inner confidence to deal with the brightest lights has never been more lit.”
McConaughey also addressed two of the biggest questions surrounding Manning’s future: a potential Heisman Trophy win and whether or not he will enter the NFL draft or remain at Texas at the end of his junior season.
“Is he gonna win the Heisman? Enter the draft or stay at UT?” McConaughey wrote. “TBD. But remember, the Manning family measures the big picture of their own success with a longer view than any of us on the sidelines—they don’t try to get anywhere, they make their own decisions, take care of business where they are, then show up where they’re supposed to be.
“Personally, I’ll take that bet.”
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Manning has completed 63.5% of his passes for 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions this season. Against Tennessee, he threw for 201 yards and an interception while taking six sacks as Texas improved to 4-0.
In four seasons at Texas, Manning has completed 62.5% of his 614 pass attempts for 4,994 yards and 42 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. He’s also rushed the ball for an extra 596 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.
Manning and the Longhorns have a week off before facing Oklahoma in Dallas on Oct. 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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