Arch Manning announces return: Why QB is returning to Texas for fourth season

Arch Manning's first season as a college starter was not the quite Heisman-level performance that many expected to see from the jump. But, by the end of the season, the Texas Longhorns' quarterback emerged as one of the best players in college football. Now, right before the College Football Playoff, Manning's father Cooper announced that Arch will be returning to the Longhorns next season.

Manning, the preseason Heisman favorite, had a season of ups-and-downs but gradually improved. He led Texas to a 9-3 record as starter, capped off by three wins over AP Top-10 teams in Oklahoma, Vanderbilt and No. 3 Texas A&M in the season finale. Though Texas missed out on the College Football Playoff, Manning's improvement makes the Longhorns an immediate contender in 2026.

The generational hype that preceded his arrival in Austin created a massive shadow, and in the opening weeks of the season, the young quarterback struggled to find his footing. Performances were often characterized by errant throws, slow processing speed, and the anxiety of operating behind an inconsistent offensive line. Critics were loud, pointing to low completion percentages and the costly turnovers in early losses that saw the preseason No. 1 Longhorns fall out of the AP Top 25, prompting a national conversation about whether the pressure was simply too much for the celebrated recruit.

Though, by the time the calendar flipped to November, Manning’s individual production had climbed into the air of the nation's elite quarterbacks. In the final month of the regular season, including critical games against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas, he was consistently setting new career highs and rewriting the Texas record books. In a three-game span, Manning averaged a blistering 354 passing yards, throwing 10 touchdowns to just one interception while demonstrating a mastery of the deep ball that had been missing earlier in the year. He finished the season with a stat line -- nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns -- that rivaled the freshman years of former Heisman winners.

Now, as the Longhorns look ahead to the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, the narrative surrounding Manning has completely flipped. His decision to return for the next season is the ultimate declaration of faith in the program's championship trajectory, solidifying the idea that the Longhorns have not just a star, but a proven, rapidly improving signal-caller who is ready to become one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

Get ready for Year 2 of Arch Manning in Austin.

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Why did Arch Manning forgo the draft?

While Manning was projected by many analysts to be the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft and a potential No. 1 overall pick, the ultimate reason for his return to Texas is that he and his family do not believe he is yet a "pro-ready" quarterback after just one season as a full-time starter.

His year was characterized by an erratic start, leading to questions about his consistency and polish, even though he finished the season exceptionally strong. By returning for his redshirt junior season, Manning is prioritizing maximizing his development under coach Steve Sarkisian to ensure he is fully prepared for the next level.

The Manning family history heavily influences this measured approach to the NFL. Both his uncle Peyton and uncle Eli played four full years of college football, with Peyton famously returning for his final year of eligibility despite being widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 1997 draft. This long-standing family precedent emphasizes that patience and collegiate development are more valuable than an immediate jump to a professional paycheck.

Given that Manning is already one of the highest-compensated athletes in college sports through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the financial pressure to leave early is significantly reduced, allowing him to focus purely on the best route for his long-term success in the NFL.

Last, probably, is the "unfinished business" aspect. Texas started the season as the No. 1 team in America and missing the College Football Playoff is a disappointment. With Manning returning in 2026, Texas will once again start as one of the top teams in the nation with a legitimate championship window.

MORE: Arch Manning does something his uncles Peyton and Eli never did

Arch Manning 2025 stats

Manning finished the 2025 season with strong numbers.

Manning's season was marked by significant growth. While he struggled with consistency in the early part of the year, his performance in the latter half of the season was outstanding.

Half of his 24 passing touchdowns were thrown in the final five games of the season, along with three games with over 300 passing yards in his final five contests. Texas capped off the regular season with a victory over a highly-ranked Texas A&M team.

Manning also became the first quarterback in Texas history — and first SEC quarterback since 2014 — to have a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. He did it when he had a career-high six touchdowns against Arkansas.

MORE: Why did Arch Manning go to Texas?

Texas QB Depth Chart

The 2026 Texas depth chart will be different behind Manning, with really talented recruits in the wings.

MORE: How Arch Manning became the NIL king in college football