Arch Manning helped the Texas Longhorns end the 2025 season on a high note, playing a crucial role as they clinched an impressive 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines.
The quarterback became a popular pick with sports bettors this term, with many of them wagering on him in the player-focused markets. The sportsbooks featured on impartial comparison website bettingtop10.com also garnered an uptick activity on the Longhorns to win the play-offs.
While Manning was ultimately unable to guide Texas to the promised land, his decision to remain with the team in 2026 is undoubtedly the right call. He now has the chance to set the record straight before entering declaring for next year’s NFL draft.
Why Manning Decided to Stay in Texas
Manning’s development was key to his headline decision to remain at Texas in 2026. The talented quarterback believes another year in college football will help him improve as a player.
Despite getting off to a slow start, Manning ultimately had a solid campaign as the starting quarterback but understands he still has some way to go to reach his full potential.
Manning was tipped to be the number one NFL draft pick before the campaign started. The expectation affected his form early on, drawing heavy criticism from the fans. He was even booed at times during home games, but he ultimately silenced his critics as the season progressed.
His performance against Texas A&M was the ultimate indication that he had turned his game around, as he finished the match with a decisive touchdown run. Manning had completely changed the narrative around him by the end of the season.
However, there were still a few details in his game that needed improvement and leaving for the NFL at this point may not have been the smartest move. Another year in Texas will give him a chance to raise his level before heading to the NFL.
What Manning’s Decision Means for Texas
Manning is not the first member of his family to resist the temptation of jumping to the NFL at the first time of asking.
His grandfather, Archie Manning, and his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, all stayed in college to refine their skills before entering the NFL.
They believed experience mattered. Learning how to handle pressure in college helped prepare them for the NFL, and the latest Manning off the family production line is following the same blueprint.
His decision is massive news for the Longhorns, who will head into the 2026 season seeking redemption after falling short last term. Finding a half-decent quarterback that can lead the team to victory is difficult, but replacing one with Manning’s rare attributes and instincts could take years.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was among those calling for Manning to stay one more year with the Longhorns, claiming it would be valuable to his long-term future.
“He’s a young man who’s got better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise,” Sarkisian said.
“I would think he’s going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL. And he’s got some unfinished business of what he came here to do and what he came here to accomplish.”
If Manning can stay consistent throughout the 2026 campaign, the Longhorns have a genuine chance of becoming college football champions.
Manning’s Draft Stock Will be Higher in 2027
Manning could have entered the 2026 draft and likely been taken early. His name carries weight, while his abilities make him a top prospect. Teams would have been clamouring to sign him.
However, being drafted early does not guarantee long-term success. The NFL is filled with quarterbacks who arrived too soon and never fully recovered.
Waiting until 2027 gives him more control over his future and long-term development. He can head into the NFL as a solid player rather than another gamble.
Teams picking players will judge him as a player who is ready to perform at the highest level.
Staying another year in college football will improve his draft stock for 2027, and he could be selected by a team that is more stable and able to prioritise his long-term development.
