Arch Manning’s season has been a rollercoaster. After a shaky start, he lit up Sam Houston with 309 yards and 3 TDs, showing why he was once a projected No. 1 overall pick. “This is the first step in his turnaround,” said Micah Gatewood, highlighting Manning’s tangible talent and pedigree. But not everyone is convinced due to three incompletions against Houston. And that’s why Cristina Solano warned, “A famous last name doesn’t equal a legacy.” So the question remains: can Manning sustain this bounce-back, or will the pressure of the Manning name expose his flaws down the stretch? No matter what’s next, the star QB is currently away from football to focus on personal time.

On September 26, Heid Manning, Arch Manning’s younger brother, shared an Instagram story showing Arch spending time with him and friends at Ranch 616. It could be a celebration of their 55-0 win over Sam Houston or a relaxing moment before continuing their winning streak against Florida, who stand 1-3 this season. Anything can happen on October 5, but Ranch 616 clearly holds a special connection for the Longhorns.

Ranch 616 in Austin isn’t just any restaurant; it’s a Longhorns hub. The spot goes all out for game day, featuring a “Game Time Menu” with $15 Burnt Orange Mimosa Pitchers, $12 Cowboy Burgers, and loaded nachos to fuel fans from kickoff to the final whistle. Just six days ago, they posted: “PREGAME STARTS AT BRUNCH! Kickoff’s at 7pm, but the party’s goin’ strong from brunch to the final whistle, come hang with us, y’all!” Now with nods to Texas’ iconic burnt orange in drinks and décor, Ranch 616 is a true Longhorns hotspot. And Arch Manning, even though he is having a fun time, hasn’t forgotten about the field.

His Texas debut came with a hard reality check against defending champion OSU. But the story hasn’t stayed the same. Since then, he’s settled in, leading Texas to 3 commanding wins and piling up production. He racked up eight passing TDs, five on the ground, and more than 700 yards through the air. Now the Longhorns sit at 3-1, but with SEC battles on deck, the real test is still ahead. Even his uncles, Peyton and Eli, needed time to grow into CFB’s grind, and Arch is following a similar path.

Yes, a viral stat chart shows the Manning DNA at work: all three started 5-1. Arch piled up 19 total TDs with a 158.1 rating; Peyton had more yards but fewer scores, and Eli stood out for efficiency. Although Arch blends right in: steady, productive, and full of promise. But unlike his uncles, he’s chasing a national title at Texas with sky-high NIL value. Now, while Arch Manning’s stock keeps climbing, Steve Sarkisian’s decisions for Texas are stealing the headlines.

Arch Manning’s HC took a helicopter ride

Steve Sarkisian took recruiting to new heights, literally. During Texas’ bye week, the Longhorns’ HC hopped in a helicopter to visit five-star CB Jermaine Bishop Jr. and the twist? Bishop has been committed to Texas for months. But instead of coasting, Sarkisian doubled down.

Flying into Willis, TX, he checked in on Bishop, who chose the Horns over heavyweights like PSU and Michigan. Honestly, the flashy visit showed just how much Texas values its in-state blue-chip talent. And why not?

Bishop headlines the 2026 recruiting class that already boasts 21 commitments. The class already has five-star QB Dia Bell and LB Tyler Atkinson. Now ranked fifth in the nation, Sarkisian’s team builds on last year’s top-ranked class, keeping Texas strong as it heads into SEC play against Florida.