Overview
- Cooper Manning confirmed on Dec. 15 via text to ESPN that Arch will return to Texas for the 2026 season.
- Manning is draft-eligible under the NFL’s three-year rule but chose to defer entry to continue developing in college.
- In his first full season as starter, he completed 227 of 370 passes for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 244 rushing yards and eight rushing scores.
- Texas faces No. 17 Michigan in the Citrus Bowl today in Orlando, with Manning opposite freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood in a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
- Manning said he advanced most late in the season and wants to keep building, aligning with coach Steve Sarkisian’s view that another year would benefit him and address 'unfinished business.'