Arch Manning is not going anywhere. At least not yet.
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The Texas quarterback will return to the Longhorns in 2026, ending months of speculation about whether the rising junior might make an early jump to the NFL. The confirmation came straight from his father, Cooper Manning.
"Arch is playing football at Texas next year," Cooper told ESPN on Monday.
Texas officials have long expected that outcome, and coach Steve Sarkisian never sounded convinced Manning was ready to turn pro just yet.
"He's a young man who's gotten better as the season's gone on," Sarkisian said during his Citrus Bowl availability. "Not only physically, but mentally and maturity-wise. I would think he's going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for a long career in the NFL."
There is also the competitive side of it. Texas had a strong season, but not a perfect one.
"We left some meat on the bone," Sarkisian said. "There was an opportunity to be SEC champs and national champs. I think the competitor in him is going to say, 'I'd like another crack at that.'"
Manning entered the year with massive expectations, including early Heisman buzz, and the weight of a last name that needs no introduction. The start was uneven. The finish was not.
He settled in as the season progressed, helping Texas go 6-1 down the stretch and pushing the Longhorns into College Football Playoff conversations. In his redshirt sophomore season, Manning threw for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, showing steady growth as the year wore on.
There is still one game left. Manning will get another chance to add to his résumé in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31.
The NFL can wait. Arch Manning has unfinished business in Austin.
