Struggling Arch Manning vows to be better as conference play nears for Texas

Days after being booed by his own fans, Arch Manning vowed to be better as the Longhorns look to get themselves prepared for the SEC portion of their schedule. 

While Texas has won its last two games and has one more non-conference game against Sam Houston on Saturday before beginning conference play, the concerns around Manning have been growing since the Longhorns’ Week 1 loss to Ohio State. 

Manning has been slow to get going in his first year as the starting quarterback and his play last weekend led to fans at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium booing him during the first half of Texas’ win over UTEP. 

But Manning had a message as he and his team turned the page. 

“I know the type of player that I am,” Manning told reporters on Monday, according to the Associated Press. “I know I’m going to play better and we’re going to be better as an offense.”

“It’s frustrating because I know I’m better than that,” Manning added. “But you know, we’re going to be better this week and get clicking on offense. I’m excited to get going.”

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles past KD Johnson #7 of the UTEP Miners in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Getty Images

Manning’s play has been far from what many had expected out of the 21-year-old, who is also the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, when the season started at the end of August. 

Manning has completed 55 percent of his pass attempts through the first three games of the season, and in Saturday’s win over UTEP, he connected on just 11-of-25 passes for 114 yards, while completing a touchdown pass and throwing an interception. 

Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass under pressure by Udoka Ezeani of the UTEP Miners in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025. Getty Images

The Longhorns starter told reporters that the issue with his passing has been more mental than anything else. 

“I think I just need to go out there and play my game. I know the type of athlete and the type of player I am. I just need to go cut it loose and have some fun,” Manning said, according to the Austin American-Statesman. 

Saturday’s game against Sam Houston will be Manning’s last chance to get things sorted before the Longhorns hit the road for the next month, starting with a trip to The Swamp to face the Gators on Oct. 4 to kick off the SEC portion of their schedule.