- Texas quarterback Arch Manning will return for his junior season with the Longhorns.
- Manning has had an up-and-down season after starting as the Heisman favorite.
- The Longhorns could see a boost in their 2026 odds with Manning back.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning is returning for his junior season, after an inconsistent season that saw him begin as the Heisman favorite.
Manning should be among the top players in the odds again, and Texas could see a bump in their championship odds.
Manning Looking for More After Leading Texas to 9-3 Record
Manning’s father, Cooper, actually told ESPN his son would return to Texas on Monday.
Manning is finishing up his sophomore season, and there were high hopes for him to start out. He was the favorite in the Heisman odds after being named the starter. He had a solid season, completing 61.4% of his passes for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Furthermore, he also ran for 244 yards, but Manning had eight scores on the ground.
Manning led the Longhorns to a 9-3 record, and while they just missed out on the CFP Playoff, they’ll face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, Florida. He definitely improved from a poor performance in a season-opening 14-7 loss at Ohio State. But Manning was always in a tough situation, playing against arguably the best defense in the country on the road in his first start. It was also a meeting of the preseason #1 (Texas) vs. #3 (Ohio State).
What does this mean for Manning and the Longhorns going forward?
Will Manning and the Longhorns Be Favored in the Heisman and Title Odds?
Manning should be among the top Heisman favorites this season. He is well-known, of course, as the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning. Despite this esteemed pedigree, Arch would be the first Heisman winner! If he isn’t the favorite next season, Manning will be near the top of the board.
As for the Longhorns’ college football championship odds, Texas should be one of the top teams. They still have to work out who could leave in the transfer portal, and who they can pick up. The Longhorns may have the most NIL money in the country, and Texas will always spend to whip up a winner.
A 9-3 season would be considered great at most schools, but not at Texas. They had national-title aspirations, and only lost to Ohio State, Georgia, and Florida on the road. The first two losses are forgivable, but the loss to the Gators probably kept Texas out of the CFP.
They’ll retool for next season, with Manning back under center. There will be high expectations on the Longhorns, and it all starts with their high-profile quarterback!
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