Texas QB Arch Manning Limited in Spring After Foot Surgery

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian says Manning is out of walking boot but will be cautious early on in spring practices.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Texas quarterback Arch Manning will be limited in spring practices after undergoing a minor foot surgery last month. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN that Manning is out of a walking boot, but the team will be cautious with him "especially early on" in the spring. Manning is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he passed for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 10 scores.

Why it matters

As the highly touted quarterback of the Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning's health and development are crucial for the team's success. The Longhorns are looking to bounce back after narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2025, and having Manning at full strength will be key to their championship aspirations.

The details

Sarkisian said Manning had a "lingering thing" that the team wanted to "clean up" with the minor foot surgery. The coach emphasized that it was "not a serious issue at all" and that the team will take its time to ensure Manning is "100 percent healthy" before fully clearing him to participate in spring practices.

  • Manning underwent the foot surgery last month.
  • Texas will begin spring practices on March 9.
  • The Longhorns will play their spring game on April 19.

The players

Arch Manning

The highly touted quarterback of the Texas Longhorns, who is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he passed for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns while also rushing for 10 scores.

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team.

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What they’re saying

“He had a lingering thing that he'd been dealing with over a couple of years that we just wanted to clean up. It wasn't a serious issue at all. It takes time. You do a procedure on a foot, we're going to be cautious to make sure he's 100 percent healthy before he goes.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns (ESPN)

“I think he gained a lot of confidence in the second half of the season, and I think we learned about him, he learned his style of play, and he came back with a really good mindset. This is his team. ... In the end, naturally, he wants to go win a championship. The rest of the things will fall into place, but that's where his mindset is. He's the ultimate team player, and it shows every day.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns (ESPN)

What’s next

Texas will begin its spring practices on March 9 and will play its spring game on April 19 after five weeks of practices.

The takeaway

Arch Manning's health and development are crucial for the Texas Longhorns as they look to bounce back from narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2025. The team is taking a cautious approach with Manning's minor foot surgery to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to lead the Longhorns to a championship in the upcoming season.