Texas QB Arch Manning Out of Boot, Limited in Spring

Longhorns star recovering from minor foot surgery, expected to be ready for 2026 season opener

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2023, is no longer wearing a boot and will be limited in spring practice as he recovers from minor foot surgery in January. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the procedure was not a serious issue and they are taking a cautious approach to ensure Manning is fully healthy before returning to full activities.

Why it matters

As the Longhorns' starting QB and a potential future top NFL draft pick, Manning's health and development are crucial for Texas' success in 2026. The team is ranked No. 1 in the preseason and has high expectations with Manning leading the offense.

The details

Manning took over as Texas' starting QB last season and had some early growing pains before coming into his own down the stretch, throwing for 3,103 yards, 26 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs. Sarkisian said Manning gained a lot of confidence in the second half of the season and is now fully embracing his role as the team's leader.

  • In January 2026, Arch Manning underwent minor foot surgery.
  • Manning is no longer wearing a boot and will be limited in spring practice.

The players

Arch Manning

The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch Manning is the starting quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns.

Steve Sarkisian

The head football coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, who has overseen Arch Manning's development and transition to becoming the team's starting QB.

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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% healthy before he goes.”

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

What’s next

Texas opens the 2026 season at home on Sept. 5 against Texas State.

The takeaway

Arch Manning's health and continued development will be crucial for the Longhorns' championship aspirations in 2026, as the team enters the season ranked No. 1 and with high expectations riding on their star quarterback.