Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update on quarterback Arch Manning’s development during an appearance at the Touchdown Club of Houston on Thursday. The coach highlighted significant improvements in Manning’s fundamentals heading into the 2026 season.
“The biggest thing that I’ve seen from Arch, fundamentally, he’s so much cleaner right now,” Sarkisian said. “He’s really worked hard at this. That’s going to really help from an accuracy standpoint.”
Manning led the Longhorns to a 12-3 record in 2025. The season ended with a 41-27 postseason victory over Michigan.
Sarkisian emphasized how Manning grew through difficult moments last season.
“I think he learned about himself, he had some real adversity last year, and this guy found out about himself,” Sarkisian said. “I think he found out about how physically tough he is, and I think his teammates did too, and they credit him for that.”
The coach pointed to the team’s response after a loss to Florida as a turning point. Critics called Manning “college football’s first flop” following that game.
The Longhorns went 7-1 from that point forward. The run helped secure Texas’ third consecutive season with at least 10 wins.
Manning enters 2026 as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Texas’ championship hopes will depend largely on his continued development as the program targets another deep College Football Playoff run.
Sarkisian stressed the need for earlier season improvements while maintaining development throughout the year. He wants the team to avoid the slow starts that have become a pattern.
The coach provided injury updates for several key players. Manning, Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley, and Trevor Goosby are all recovering from offseason surgeries.
All four players are expected to be fully available by June 1.
