Overview

• Manning steps into the Longhorns’ starting role after just 95 pass attempts across two seasons as a backup.
• FanDuel sportsbook lists him at +230 odds to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the shortest among college quarterbacks.
• Head coach Steve Sarkisian said he expects Manning’s performance to force a “hard decision” on whether to declare for the draft.
• ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers placed Manning fifth among SEC quarterbacks and questioned his arm strength.
• He refuted concussion rumors, praised mentorship from predecessor Quinn Ewers and vowed to prove critics wrong.