Arch Manning Adjusts to Pressure at Texas, Cooper Manning Says Media Coverage Has Been 'Over the Top'

The next Manning is still soaking up the experience as he enters his projected final season at Texas.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli, arrived at Texas with immense expectations. The sophomore quarterback struggled early on, but settled into the offense, tightened his decision-making, and became more comfortable using his legs as a weapon. Texas finished 10-3 and ranked No. 12 in the final AP poll, with Manning throwing 26 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and adding 10 rushing scores. His father, Cooper Manning, says the media coverage of Arch has been "over the top" and that he's proud of how Arch handled the adversity.

Why it matters

Arch Manning is one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory, coming from a legendary football family. His early struggles at Texas highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny he faces, but his ability to bounce back and lead Texas to a strong finish shows his resilience and potential.

The details

Playing behind a retooled offensive line with new receivers and limited help from an injury-hit backfield, the sophomore quarterback looked inexperienced early on. Texas lost its opener at Ohio State and stumbled again a month later against Florida as Manning absorbed heavy criticism. However, Manning settled into Steve Sarkisian's offense, tightened his decision-making and became more comfortable using his legs as a weapon. Texas finished 10-3 and ranked No. 12 in the final AP poll, with Manning throwing 26 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and adding 10 rushing scores.

  • Arch Manning took over as the Longhorns' starter at the start of the 2025 season.
  • Texas lost its opener at Ohio State and stumbled again a month later against Florida in the 2025 season.
  • Texas finished the 2025 season 10-3 and ranked No. 12 in the final AP poll.

The players

Arch Manning

The sophomore quarterback at the University of Texas and grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning.

Cooper Manning

Arch Manning's father, who says the media coverage of his son has been "over the top".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“People would try to downgrade the whole thing in one little week or two, it's kinda silly. It'll start all over again, and then he'll be hyped up again this offseason — it's coming, and he'll have some bad games next year, and here it comes again.”

— Cooper Manning, Arch Manning's father (The Athletic)

“The coverage of sports is over the top, and there are too many people doing it. It's no different than when they were saying he was the greatest thing since sliced bread early in the season before he'd ever played.”

— Cooper Manning, Arch Manning's father (The Athletic)

“As parents, you just try to say, 'Hey, keep working hard. Keep your head down. It's all gonna work out.' And that's really all you can say because you're not at practice, you're not calling the plays. You're not really in the weeds. You're just a parent trying to be supportive. I was proud of the way he handled adversity, and he ended up getting better every week, which I really thought was something fun to see.”

— Cooper Manning, Arch Manning's father (The Athletic)

What’s next

Arch Manning will look to build on his strong finish to the 2025 season as he enters his projected final year at Texas in 2026. The Longhorns are again viewed as a national title contender, and Manning is already mentioned in early Heisman Trophy conversations.

The takeaway

Arch Manning's early struggles at Texas highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny he faces as a highly touted quarterback prospect from a legendary football family. However, his ability to bounce back and lead Texas to a strong finish shows his resilience and potential, and provides hope that he can continue to thrive despite the overwhelming hype and expectations.