Last season, the Texas Longhorns and their fans entered the year with sky-high expectations. They were the nation’s top-ranked team in the preseason, and people were buzzing.
But the season didn’t quite live up to those championship dreams. Arch Manning, the star quarterback, was supposed to be a Heisman contender, but his start was rocky—painful to watch at times, honestly.
He did turn it around in the second half, though. Texas ended up just missing the College Football Playoff, finishing 10-3 with a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.
This article digs into Manning’s struggles, how he managed to improve, and what’s ahead for Texas.
Arch Manning’s Early Struggles
Manning’s first year as Texas’s starter didn’t exactly go as planned. In 13 starts, he completed 61.4% of his passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
He also added 399 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. The first half of the season was rough; Manning couldn’t find his rhythm and the pressure was obvious.
Adjusting His Mindset
During a media session, Manning opened up about his early struggles. He admitted he was frustrated and wasn’t having any fun out there.
*I think I could have had more fun,* Manning said. *The first half of the season, I was pissed. I wasn’t playing well. It wasn’t fun. I said screw it, had a little more fun, and started winning some games.*
That mental shift seemed to help both him and the Longhorns.
Turning the Season Around
After a loss to Kentucky, the team decided to loosen up and actually enjoy playing again. Manning talked about how focusing on camaraderie helped the team click better.
Things turned around in the second half, and Manning led Texas to some big wins.
Statistical Improvement
Manning’s numbers improved noticeably as the year went on. He got more efficient and looked more comfortable running the offense.
Texas ended with a 10-3 record and a two-touchdown win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. It wasn’t the playoff, but the progress was obvious.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With a new focus on having fun and a healthy Manning, Texas is eyeing a serious playoff run this year. Manning had offseason surgery on a lingering foot issue but says he’s feeling great now.
*I feel 100% right now,* Manning said. *We’re kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today, I’d be playing.* That’s got to be a relief for Texas fans.
Building Chemistry with New Teammates
This season, Auburn transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman joins the Texas offense. He’s expected to make a big impact, pairing up with Ryan Wingo for a tough duo to defend.
Coleman actually said Manning was a big reason he picked Texas, and the two have been working on their connection all spring. *We’ve been building chemistry every day. Throwing every day. Really just watching film. He even tells me where he wants me to be on routes, so really just building chemistry every day,* Coleman explained.
Expectations for the Upcoming Season
Heading into 2026, Texas is set up to have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Of course, preseason hype doesn’t mean anything if you can’t back it up on the field.
Manning and his teammates know that. *[Coleman] is an elite player. He wants to be good, which is the most encouraging thing. He’s a hard worker, and I’m excited [to play with him],* Manning said, giving Wingo some credit for helping recruit Coleman to Texas.
Managing Preseason Hype
The Longhorns learned last season that managing expectations really matters. They’ve got big hopes for the year ahead, but they’re trying to keep their feet on the ground.
The team’s determined to take all the preseason hype and actually turn it into something better for 2026. Nobody wants to get ahead of themselves, but you can sense a quiet confidence building.
As Texas gets ready for the season, the focus is on keeping a positive attitude. Building chemistry is a priority, and, honestly, that’s not always easy with so many new faces.
Arch Manning’s back at full strength, which is a relief for just about everyone. With a talented group around him, the Longhorns might just shake things up in college football this year.
If you want a deeper dive into Arch Manning’s journey or how the Longhorns are shaping up for 2026, check out Sports Illustrated.
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