Overview

• Texas enters the season as the preseason No. 1 team in the AP poll and has sold out every home game, elevating stakes for Arch Manning’s full-time debut.
• His omission from the initial Manning Award watch list has spotlighted his limited game experience, with under 100 career pass attempts as a starter.
• SEC coaches and ESPN’s Greg McElroy have flagged his untested status against top-tier defenses, even as teammates push back against doubts.
• Grandfather Archie Manning’s assurance that Arch will stay at Texas in 2026 contrasts with anonymous NFL GM remarks that his draft timing hinges on team fit and NIL incentives.
• Public endorsements from Johnny Manziel alongside visits from fans such as Matthew McConaughey amplify commercial interest and raise expectations for Manning’s leadership.