Texas QB Arch Manning Feeling '100 Percent' After Foot Surgery

The Longhorns' star quarterback is taking it slow in spring practice but expects to be ready for the season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of burnt orange and royal blue representing the Texas Longhorns.Arch Manning's recovery from foot surgery will be crucial to Texas' championship aspirations.Austin Today

Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is recovering well from offseason foot surgery and expects to be fully cleared to play in the upcoming season. Manning, who had a breakout 2025 campaign, is doing light workouts so far in spring practice as he continues his rehabilitation.

Why it matters

As the preseason No. 1 team, Texas and Arch Manning have high expectations for the 2026 season. Manning's health and ability to lead the Longhorns' offense will be crucial to their chances of making the College Football Playoff and competing for a national championship.

The details

Manning said he is currently doing light workouts and focusing on mental reps, footwork drills, and getting to know his new teammates. He described the 2025 season as a 'roller coaster,' with the first half being frustrating before he was able to turn things around and lead Texas to a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl victory.

  • In January 2026, Manning underwent what school officials called a minor foot surgery.
  • As of April 2026, Manning is doing light workouts in spring practice.

The players

Arch Manning

The starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning.

Texas Longhorns

The college football team that Arch Manning plays for, which was the preseason No. 1 team in 2025 and finished the season ranked No. 12.

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What they’re saying

“I feel 100 percent right now. We're kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today I'd be playing.”

— Arch Manning, Texas Quarterback

“It was hard the first few weeks just not being able to do anything. Now I get to do a little bit more.”

— Arch Manning, Texas Quarterback

What’s next

As Manning continues his recovery, the focus will be on him gradually increasing his workload in spring practice and being fully cleared to participate in the Longhorns' summer training camp ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Arch Manning's health and performance will be critical to Texas' chances of contending for a national championship in 2026. The Longhorns have high expectations, and Manning's ability to bounce back from his offseason foot surgery and lead the team will be closely watched.