Texas quarterback Arch Manning will return to school and play for the Longhorns in 2026. The announcement ends months of speculation about whether he’d declare for the 2026 NFL draft following his first season as a starter.
ESPN’s Dave Wilson reported Monday night that Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, confirmed the decision.
“Arch is playing football at Texas next year.”
Texas officials told ESPN the program fully expected Manning to return. The redshirt sophomore was eligible to enter the draft but chose to stay.
Manning’s decision gives the Longhorns a boost at quarterback as they look to build on a late-season surge.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said another year of college football would benefit Manning during a media event in Orlando ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31.
“He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise. 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.”
Sarkisian added that Texas’ unfinished goals likely factored into the decision.
“We left some meat on the bone with an opportunity to be SEC champs, national champs.”
Manning played his best football down the stretch as Texas went 6-1 late in the season and pushed for the College Football Playoff.
Entering the bowl game, he’s completed 227 of 370 passes for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s thrown only two picks over the final seven games.
Manning also rushed for eight touchdowns this season.
