Arch Manning's Future at Texas Secured by Family Text

A simple text message has clarified the future of one of college football's most talked-about quarterbacks.

Fans of the University of Texas have been on edge, eagerly anticipating news about Arch Manning's decision regarding his return for another season in Austin.

On December 15, Cooper Manning, Arch's father, sent a text to ESPN’s Dave Wilson stating, “Arch is playing football at Texas next year.”

At just 21 years old, Arch is not only the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning but also the grandson of Archie Manning, another former NFL quarterback. He had the option to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore, with many analysts ranking him high on their draft boards.

As one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent college football history, Arch started all 12 games for the Longhorns during the 2025 season.

Despite a rocky start, his performance improved significantly as the season progressed. Texas concluded the season with a 9-3 record, winning six of their last seven games.

The Longhorns faced tough competition, losing to Ohio State and Georgia—both playoff contenders—but a disappointing loss to Florida in October ultimately derailed their playoff aspirations.

Currently, Texas is gearing up to compete against the University of Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Before Arch's decision was made public, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian discussed the advantages of returning for another season.

“He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, both physically and mentally,” Sarkisian remarked during a Citrus Bowl media event. “I think he’s going to want another year of that growth to position himself for hopefully a long career in the NFL. He has unfinished business here.”

Sarkisian further emphasized that Texas had opportunities for greater achievements this season, stating, “We left some meat on the bone with an opportunity to be SEC champs, national champs, and I think the competitor in him is going to say, ‘Man, I sure would like another crack at trying to do those things.’”

After a significant victory over Texas A&M on November 28, Arch expressed gratitude towards Sarkisian for his unwavering support throughout the season.

“I’m forever grateful for him,” Manning said. “It would have been easy for him to throw me under the bus when I wasn’t playing well, but he never did. He always uplifted me.”

Arch continued, “He never blamed it on me in the media or anything. We just kept chopping wood.”

Following the win against Texas A&M, Arch advocated for his team’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff.

“If you let us in, we can beat anyone,” he asserted. “If you don’t think we’re one of the best 12 teams in the country, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Ultimately, Texas finished No. 13 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, falling short of a top-10 position needed for an at-large bid.

With his return confirmed, Arch Manning will have another opportunity to lead Texas toward its first national championship since 2005.