Arch Manning stats today: Texas quarterback struggles in first half vs. UTEP as Longhorns hold slim lead

It may be safe to say that the start of Arch Manning's tenure as the Texas Longhorns' QB1 is not going according to plan.

Often labeled college football's next superstar quarterback, Manning struggled in Week 1 against a talented Ohio State defense, though he did throw four touchdown passes and one interception in Week 2’s win over underdog San Jose State.

In Week 3, however, things slid further for Manning. Despite Texas entering as a heavy favorite against UTEP at home, he completed fewer than half of his passes in the first half as the Longhorns clung to a slim lead.

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Here's a look at Manning's fairly lackluster Week 3 performance, and how Texas struggled to build an advantage over UTEP on Saturday afternoon.

MORE: Is Arch Manning playing through an injury?

Arch Manning stats today

• Completions-Attempts: 5-16
• Completion Percentage: 31.3%
• Passing Yards: 69
• Passing TDs: 0
• Interceptions: 1
• Carries: 5
• Rushing Yards: 23
• Rushing TDs: 2

At halftime of Saturday’s game, Manning was on pace for his worst performance of his three 2025 starts, particularly through the air. He completed just five of 16 passes for a 31.3% completion rate, failed to throw a touchdown, and tossed an interception in the second quarter.

Xavier Smith with a huge INT, his first as a Miner ⛏️#PicksUp | #WinTheWest pic.twitter.com/sA1iLdogVX

— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) September 13, 2025

Texas took a 14-3 lead into halftime, which would have been just 7-3 if not for a last-minute rushing touchdown by Manning before the break. Even with an 11-point lead, Steve Sarkisian’s squad was on upset alert against a UTEP team that entered at 1-1, went 3-9 last season, and had lost 56-0 the last time it faced a ranked opponent (Nov. 23, 2024, against Tennessee).

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 13, 2025

All things told, it was a rough first-half showing for Manning and the Longhorns. The two offensive highlights were Manning's two rushing touchdowns, as well as 59 yards on the ground for running back Jerrick Gibson.

Can't touch @ArchManning 🤘 pic.twitter.com/aEXJVjUHvW

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2025

Even if Texas manages to hold on and improve to 2-1 this season, questions are growing about how ready Manning truly is to lead the team. He may need these early-season growing pains to find success later, but completing just 31.3% of his passes in an entire half against UTEP is not a promising sign.

MORE: Revisiting why Arch Manning chose Texas over Alabama, Georgia and more

Did Texas fans boo Arch Manning?

As the Longhorns struggled in the first half, they got some boos from their home crowd.

Manning threw a near-interception that instead fell incomplete on third down, and as the offense came off the field, the team got a negative reaction from its fans.

— On3 (@On3sports) September 13, 2025

MORE: What to know about Arch Manning's father, Cooper

Texas QB depth chart

If Manning's struggles continue, there could be some calls for Texas to turn elsewhere at quarterback. Here's a look at the Longhorns' quarterbacks:

Rank	Player
1	Arch Manning
2	Matthew Caldwell
3	Trey Owens
4	Karle Lacey Jr.

If the Longhorns were ever to bench Manning, which still seems unlikely, it would likely be senior Matthew Caldwell stepping in. Caldwell transferred to Texas this offseason and previously played at Troy, Gardner-Webb, and Jacksonville State.

In Texas' Week 2 win over San Jose State, Caldwell saw some action, completing two of his three pass attempts for 22 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Other options could be redshirt freshman Trey Owens, who appeared in one game for the team in 2024 as a backup, or true freshman Karle Lacey Jr., a former four-star prospect who joined the Longhorns this season.

Arch Manning NFL draft stock

Manning came into the 2025 season heavily expected to rank among the top quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft, despite no indications that he'll actually declare for that draft. Manning could also wind up in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Drafts as well.

Manning said before the season that he’s “really just taking it day by day right now,” offering no hint about whether he’d leave Texas after just one season as a starter. But with his struggles continuing early in the year, it increasingly seems he’ll need more time to develop with the Longhorns before heading to the pros.

Even with a rough season, Manning would likely still get picked in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he has the talent to be a No. 1 pick. For that reason, it's growing easier to see him work on his game until he's proven worthy of being a top selection. 

NFL Mock Draft Database's early consensus 2026 rankings still have Manning as the No. 2 overall prospect for the class, but if his performances like Saturday's against UTEP continue, that ranking won't materialize.

MORE: Will Arch Manning stay at Texas beyond the 2025 season?