Arch Manning Faces Less Pressure as Texas Seeks Turnaround

Arch Manning, Texas’ No. 1 recruit, began the 2024 season behind former starter Quinn Ewers and struggled early, throwing interceptions in his first three starts. After a decisive 26-3 win over Oklahoma in Week 6, he clicked, finishing the final eight games with 14 touchdown passes, two interceptions and five rushing touchdowns. With the Longhorns missing the College Football Playoff, the team is looking to bounce back against a hard SEC slate that includes LSU, Texas A&M and Tennessee, while relying on key players like edge rusher Colin Simmons, WR Cam Coleman and RB Hollywood Smothers. Manning, who was named a Heisman frontrunner early, will open the 2026 season at home against Texas State on September 5, aiming to prove the critics wrong. sweetbonan.org