Arch Manning is not done yet. Fans gave up hope quickly in the first half of the season, but the Texas QB has redeemed himself now. In fact, he’s impressing people enough to get back into the Heisman chat. A Texas player made a bold move by making a case for his teammate to win it.

A month ago, Arch Manning being a favorite for the Heisman was impossible to think of. But now, when his improvement is noticeable, things are beginning to change. A career night against Arkansas might have kicked off his Heisman campaign, at least firmly for the 2026 season. Teammate Michael Taaffe, vetted for him to be a candidate for the prestigious award, knowing what he has truly meant for the program. At a press conference on November 24, he said that Manning will have his vote.

“If you compare his numbers, I bet they’re up there,” said Taafe. “I think he’s the most hated-on person in all of college football, and he doesn’t even care. He just cares about winning, and he cares about his teammates. The things that he’s done for this team and the adversity that he’s gone through, I think if you look at the best player in college football, I think it’s Arch.”

Taaffe is not wrong. Arch Manning being such a high-profile player because of his name made it easy for the supporters to ditch him. The fact that he was such a big letdown masked over his numbers – he’s got enough to at least fit somewhere near the Top 10. Manning has a thrown for a total of 2,763 yards and 23 TDs. It might be a little unfair to still hate on him, when he has clearly come back up.

The Oklahoma game is where Arch Manning’s redemption arc began. But the Heisman conversation has sprung up after his brilliant showcase against Arkansas. He threw for a career-high 389 yards, 4 TDs, while adding a rushing and receiving TD. He’s now the first Texas QB to have scored passing, running, and receiving in a single game. This is what Texas fans had longed to see in the first half – these are numbers that fit his previously shining reputation.

Manning has battled through a lot. But he and Steve Sarkisian never backed down from the challenge. The QB even suffered a concussion, which should have put him out for the Vanderbilt game. But after just 3 days of practice, Manning played like he was never down with the injury at all. His grit and determination are why Taaffe and other teammates continue to hold Manning in a high regard.

This season’s Heisman is a no-go for Arch Manning. However, he sure is mirroring the numbers of one of the favorites to win the award.

Arch Manning matching up to 2nd favorite for Heisman

The Heisman odds have seen a lot of twists this season. With top QBs like Arch Manning failing big in the beginning, they dropped out of the race quickly. But the Texas QB’s comeback has enough juice to at least get people to have hopes. His stats rival those of a key favorite for the award: Julian Sayin, who is the 2nd favorite.

Like Taaffe said, Manning’s reputation has to do a lot with his Heisman campaign. Julian Sayin stands at a total of 2,832 passing yards and 27 TDs. He has a passer rating of 79.4, while Manning’s is at 62.5. The difference is obvious because of the sheer difference in the receiver corps, and because of Texas’ overall poor offense. Aside from that number, it looks like Manning is not that far away from Sayin. Plus, the Texas star continues to lodge career-highs in every other game this year. The gap to Sayin can be covered up in the next game.

But all that clamour about Manning being a complete bust has led him to this reality. Sure, the QB cannot escape the blame due for him. But he sure is doing a lot to rid himself of it. Perhaps if Arch had not been a Manning, he might have had a better fate. He sure is creating enough chaos for people to notice him now. If Manning keeps this up in the next season, the Heisman won’t be such a far thought for the QB.