Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with renewed expectations and, according to former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart, potentially less external pressure than in previous years. Manning, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, sat behind Quinn Ewers for the 2024 season before taking over as the starter in 2025. His initial performances as a starter were mixed, marked by early interceptions and completion rate struggles in his first four starts. However, his play significantly improved following the Longhorns' 26-3 victory over then-No. 6 Oklahoma in Week 6.
From that point forward, Texas finished the 2025 season with a 7-1 record in their final eight games. During this stretch, Manning accounted for 14 touchdown passes, threw only two interceptions, and added five rushing touchdowns. This late-season surge has positioned him as a potential Heisman Trophy frontrunner heading into the 2026 campaign.
Leinart noted on First Things First that while Manning started slowly last season, he became "really good" as the season progressed. "He has all of what you want in a quarterback, and it’s not just the last name and the pedigree," Leinart said. He also suggested that "there’s less pressure on him this year." The competitive landscape for top college quarterbacks includes notable returning players such as Dante Moore of Oregon, CJ Carr of Notre Dame, and Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss.
The Longhorns face a challenging schedule in the upcoming season, with road games against LSU, Texas A&M, and Tennessee, and home contests against Ole Miss and Ohio State. After missing the College Football Playoff in 2025, Manning and his teammates, including edge rusher Colin Simmons and transfers Cam Coleman (wide receiver) and Hollywood Smothers (running back), aim to return to the playoff.
Texas is scheduled to open its 2026 season at home against Texas State on September 5.