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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was projected to have an incredible 2025 season that would have made him the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Those predictions did not come true. Manning had a solid season, leading Texas to nine wins, throwing for 2,942 yards and scoring 32 total touchdowns. He was not a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and the Longhorns did not make the College Football Playoffs.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning throws a pass during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Image Images)
Manning faced speculation that he would transfer or enter the draft anyway, but his father, Cooper, shut that down earlier this month. Before the Citrus Bowl, the quarterback said he had “no reason” to leave Texas.
“I feel like I developed a lot this year, especially in the second half and I want to continue like that,” he said. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I have a lot more football left to play and I’m excited to continue being a part of this team.”
NOTRE DAME’S MARCUS FREEMAN CLOSE THE DOOR ON NFL INTEREST AND ANNOUNCE RETURN TO SCHOOL
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning enters Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies on Nov. 28, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Image Images)
If Manning had chosen to leave school, it likely would have meant he would skip the bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines.
He expressed his desire to play in the Citrus Bowl given his family’s history in the game.
“I was in New Orleans over the holidays and my grandpa (Archie) told me about those games and my dad. It’s great to be a part of this game, especially because (Peyton Manning) played in it and we’re excited to play against a good Michigan team.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to make a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025. (Dale Zanine/Image Images)
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Manning’s performance in the Citrus Bowl will likely be a key indicator of how far he can take his game heading into 2026. It will likely be his last performance in college football.
