Arch Manning’s College Season and Future Plans

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was anticipated to shine in the upcoming 2025 season, with expectations of becoming the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, those expectations didn’t quite materialize. Manning had a respectable season, leading Texas to nine victories while throwing for 2,942 yards and compiling 32 total touchdowns. Despite his performance, he wasn’t named a Heisman Trophy finalist, and the Longhorns did not make it to the College Football Playoff.

There had been rumors swirling around about Manning possibly transferring or entering the draft, but his father, Cooper, put those speculations to rest earlier this month. Before the Citrus Bowl, Manning stated that he found “no reason” to leave Texas.

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot this year, particularly in the latter half, and I want to keep that momentum going,” he mentioned. “There’s no reason to leave. I think I still have plenty of football left to play and I’m thrilled to continue being part of this team.”

If Manning opts to depart from school, he would miss the upcoming bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines. Yet, he expressed a desire to participate in the Citrus Bowl because of his family’s connections to the event.

“While I was in New Orleans during the break, my grandfather (Archie) shared some stories about the games and my dad’s experiences. It was really special to learn about those moments, especially considering Peyton Manning’s participation. We’re looking forward to competing against a strong Michigan team,” he said.

Ultimately, Manning’s performance in the Citrus Bowl might serve as a crucial indicator of his trajectory heading into 2026. This could very well be his final collegiate football game.