Overview
- In Saturday’s 27-24 Red River Rivalry loss, Manning threw two fourth‑quarter interceptions, one returned for a 42‑yard touchdown and a second with 19 seconds left that set up a game‑winning 47‑yard field goal.
- Manning finished the game 19-for-31 for 260 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions and enters the season with 1,122 yards, 10 TDs and five INTs through five games.
- NFL evaluators have reacted sharply: ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid moved Manning toward a Day 2 grade and an anonymous NFL general manager compared his erratic stretches to Jake Locker.
- Coach Steve Sarkisian publicly defended Manning, saying the Manning name magnifies criticism, insisting Arch is on a positive trajectory and that he will retain play‑calling control while reviewing the offense.
- The loss dropped Texas from No. 1 to No. 7 in the AP poll and puts pressure on Manning and the Longhorns as they prepare for Florida and a run of ranked SEC opponents that will shape both team goals and Manning’s draft or return‑to‑school decision.