Before the 2025 season began, the dominant discourse surrounding Arch Manning centered on his position in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the season didn’t go as he’d hoped for the first-year Texas starter. Now, the quarterback is returning for another year, and the decision has a lot to do with his development.

“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going,” the Texas QB1 said in the pre-Citrus Bowl presser on December 28. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play, and excited to still be a part of this team.”

Arch Manning has certainly grown immensely as a quarterback compared to his struggles in the 2025 season. The Texas QB1 was averaging a meager 60.3% completion rate and threw five interceptions in his first seven games. We didn’t see the QB showing elite pocket presence and decision-making, which were promised in the 2025 offseason.

Earlier, rushing drops were common for the QB, and we saw him usually speeding up his process. High off-target areas were a key issue, with rates hovering around 15.7%, and blitz handling was also poor for the Texas QB1. When Ohio State pressured the QB on 35.3% dropbacks, he was forced to make awkward throws even before routes developed. The same was the case against UTEP.

The 21-year-old threw ten straight incompletions, and fans booed him at home. His mechanics broke down, his footwork was rushed, and he held the ball too long. Factor in the QB1 reacted prematurely to perceived pressure, which led to inaccurate bounces. Even against Florida, we saw Arch’s blitz handling falter.

The young Manning was sacked 6 times and had a 58% pressure rate. Late in the fourth quarter on second and long, we saw the QB1 hurry his throws again, and his ability to evade pressure was questionable. However, many of the issues appear to have faded into oblivion as Arch has emerged as a more mature quarterback under center.

Many of Arch’s issues were also linked to Steve Sarkisian’s decision to field four new starters on the offensive line. The pass protection naturally dropped from elite to 43rd nationally, and Manning took the blame. Only later in the season, when the O-line matured, did we see Arch finally find his rhythm. The game slowed down for good for the young QB1, and we saw him with better timing and improved mechanics.

A much mature QB now, Arch Manning remembered his uncle’s legacy with his grandfather, Archie

When Texas faced Arkansas, the young QB1 delivered a dominant performance. He passed for 389 yards, evaded sacks, and rifled off accurate throws. The 21-year-old’s third-and-goal scramble was particularly impressive as he backed to the 20-yard line before hitting DeAndre Moore in the end zone. Additionally, the QB’s pre-snap adjustments and protection checks have improved significantly.

Even against an undefeated Texas A&M, the young QB sparked a second-half surge. From showing improved footwork to producing clutch moments, everything clicked effortlessly for Arch Manning. So, when he executed that 35-yard clutch rushing TD, slipping through the secondary and taking the ball to the goal line, everyone saw him as a much-developed QB. That development is the reason he is coming back to college football in 2026.

The next step? Texas is facing Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on 31st December, and Arch Manning is looking ready for the game. The QB1 opened up on how he had a conversation with his grandpa, Archie Manning, over Christmas about his uncle, Peyton Manning’s several Citrus Bowl appearances. He also spoke about the honor of playing in the same game as his famed uncle. That legacy gives him immense motivation to continue his chapter with Texas and pull off the same Texas A&M performance against Michigan. All things considered, the future looks bright for the Texas QB1 as he is coming roaring back.

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