Arch Manning entered the 2026 college football season among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. This wasn't new for the Texas Longhorns quarterback because he started the 2025 season the same way. However, some questionable decisions have derailed his campaign and raise questions about his NFL Draft status.

Manning has plenty of experience to lean on within his family. But that's also half of the problem. Playing in the shadow of his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, has been his Achilles heel.

Eli did have some valuable advice during a recent appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter this week. The two-time Super Bowl champ encouraged his nephew to remain composed through the ups and downs of football. He also stressed the importance of maintaining confidence after difficult stretches.

"It's never going to be perfect," Eli said. "That's why you play the game. It's not always going to be smooth. Every game, every series is an opportunity to learn, to get better. You've got to learn how to just kind of take the ups and downs of a game."

Arch cannot allow one mistake or disappointing series to influence his approach to the next opportunity. Eli praised Arch for his ability to bounce back and deliver when games are on the line. He has shown all the signs of progress in recent weeks. After Texas suffered consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida, the Longhorns have responded with three straight victories. This has allowed them to stay in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Arch delivered one of his best performances of the season Saturday against No. 18 Missouri, throwing three touchdown passes without an interception. Texas improved to 7-2 with the victory.

With No. 21 LSU next on the schedule, Arch will have another opportunity to demonstrate his growth. This could also be viewed as a Playoff elimination game for both teams. No. 6th-ranked Longhorns will try to add style points to their resume against Lane Kiffin's Tigers. 

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