The question of who is Texas Longhorns quarterback is finally settled for the 2026 season, and it's the name everyone expected but with a twist that caught some NFL scouts off guard. Arch Manning is staying. He’s not going to the draft yet.
Honestly, the hype around the Manning name is usually exhausting. But in Austin, it’s just reality. After a 2025 season that saw him officially take the keys from Quinn Ewers (who is now with the Miami Dolphins, by the way), Arch has decided he isn't a finished product. He's coming back for his redshirt junior year.
The 2025 Rollercoaster
If you followed the Longhorns last year, you know it wasn't exactly a smooth ride to a National Championship. Texas finished 10–3. Arch threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also ran for 10 scores. He basically proved he’s more mobile than his uncles, Peyton and Eli, combined.
But there were cracks.
The loss at Ohio State was a wake-up call. Then there was that messy two-interception game against Florida that had some fans whispering—okay, shouting—on message boards. But by the time Texas rolled into the Citrus Bowl and dismantled Michigan 41–27, Arch looked like the best player in the country. He won the MVP of that game. He ran for a 60-yard touchdown that made people realize he’s actually an athlete, not just a "pocket passer" legacy.
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Why Arch Manning is staying for 2026
Most people thought he’d be a "one and done" starter. Start in 2025, leave for the NFL in 2026. Simple.
Except the Manning family doesn’t do "simple" when it comes to development. Cooper Manning (Arch's dad) told ESPN recently that Arch is playing at Texas next year. Period. He wants that growth. He wants to win the SEC. He wants the Heisman.
Basically, he’s following the family blueprint: stay in school, get the degrees, and don't go to the league until you can't possibly get any better at the college level.
Who is Texas Longhorns quarterback and what does the depth chart look like?
Behind Manning, the room has shifted quite a bit. It’s not just a one-man show, even if the media treats it that way. Steve Sarkisian has built a room that can actually survive a hit.
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- The Starter: Arch Manning. No debate here.
- The Backup: Matthew Caldwell. He’s the steady hand if things go south.
- The Future: KJ Lacey and Trey Owens. Owens has been around for a minute, but Lacey is the one scouts are starting to eye for the post-Arch era.
Sarkisian is also surrounding Arch with a ridiculous amount of talent for 2026. They just landed Cam Coleman from Auburn through the transfer portal. Coleman is a flat-out "alpha" receiver. Last year, Texas lacked that one guy you could throw to on 4th and goal regardless of the coverage. Coleman is that guy.
They also picked up Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) to bolster the backfield. If the offensive line can hold up after losing guys like DJ Campbell to the draft, this 2026 offense might be the most explosive one Austin has seen since the Vince Young days.
The Elephant in the Room: The Offensive Line
Look, we have to be real. The "who is Texas Longhorns quarterback" discussion only matters if that quarterback isn't running for his life.
Texas lost some major pieces on the interior line. Nick Brooks, a young star everyone expected to start at guard, just hopped into the transfer portal. That stings. However, they kept Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker at the tackle spots, and Connor Robertson is back at center. It’s a bit of a "Frankenstein" line right now, but Sark is still hunting in the portal for guard help.
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What this means for the 2026 Season
Expectations are going to be through the roof. Again.
When you have a Manning under center and a roster full of five-star transfers, you don't get "rebuilding" years. You get "playoff or bust" years. Arch is currently sitting as a top-three favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and most way-too-early mock drafts have him as the #1 overall pick for 2027.
If you’re heading to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium this fall, you’re watching a guy who could have been making millions in the NFL right now but chose to stay. That counts for something in a world of NIL and constant transferring.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Longhorns' QB situation as the 2026 season approaches, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the Spring Game: This is where you’ll see if the chemistry with Cam Coleman is real. Arch needs a "safety blanket" receiver, and the spring will reveal if Coleman is it.
- Monitor the Guard Positions: The transfer portal closes soon. If Texas doesn't land a veteran starter at guard to replace DJ Campbell or Nick Brooks, Manning might be taking more hits than fans are comfortable with.
- Ignore the Draft Noise: You’re going to hear a lot about Arch "tanking" his value by staying. Ignore it. The Manning family has plenty of money; they care about his readiness, not his immediate signing bonus.
The 2026 season is Arch Manning's to lose. He has the weapons, he has the experience, and for the first time in his career, he doesn't have anyone looking over his shoulder.