Gators humbled Arch Manning, beginning Texas’ 2025 turnaround: ‘I still have a lot to prove’
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TAMPA — Texas quarterback Arch Manning grimaced as he recalled last October’s visit to the Swamp.
The Gators battered the Longhorns star for Florida’s lone memorable win of a forgettable season, sparking the turning point for the young signalcaller.
“I got a few games like that from last year,” he said Thursday as SEC Media Days came to a close in Tampa.
Ater absorbing six sacks during a 29-21 loss, Manning didn’t have many more games like it.
He and the Longhorns don’t expect another stumble-filled start after a hyped-filled and lucrative 2025 offseason quickly fell flat.
Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft and Heisman favorite, Manning also carried a $6.8 million NIL evaluation by On3Sports.com — then the highest in college sports.
He then looked overwhelmed while throwing for just 170 yards in a season-opening 14-7 loss at Ohio State. Two weeks later, he threw for only 114 yards in a lackluster lackluster 27-10 home win against overmatched UTEP.
The backlash was immediate, culminating with the Florida loss.
Afterward, The Athletic labeled the latest member of football’s first family of quarterbacking, “college football’s first flop.”
Manning, however, didn’t fold.
“What he got put through probably would have melted or destroyed 99% of the people in his shoes,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday at SEC Media Days.
Instead, Manning rallied the Longhorns to a 7-1 finish as Texas fell short of a third straight College Football Playoff bid.
Manning capped a turnaround with 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions, then delivered a virtuoso performance against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound redshirt sophomore accounted for four touchdowns and 376 yards, including 155 yards rushing, during a 41-27 win.
While a trip to Orlando was initially a letdown, Manning recalled the locker room scene with his father, Cooper, and younger brother, Heid, as one of his most cherished memories in sports.
“Even though you know we didn’t necessarily really want to be in that bowl game, my dad and my brother came into the locker room and I hugged it out with them,” he said. “That was a special moment.”
He expects many more this season as he readies to give football his full attention next week.
Away from the field, the 22-year-old caught the golf bug, lowering his handicap to 10. He recently broke 80 for the first time — or came close.
“I gave myself a putt,” he admitted.
Few gimmes are on the horizon.
After opening with Texas State in Austin, Texas will host Ohio State. Two weeks later, the Longhorns visit Tennessee, where uncle Peyton is a legend but recently admitted he’d be pulling for his nephew.
Three 2025 playoff teams await after that: rivals Oklahoma and Texas A&M, along with Ole Miss. Texas travels to LSU Nov. 14 to face Lane Kiffin and the Tigers.
A week before the Ole Miss game, Manning will get a chance to avenge the Florida loss, when the Gators visit Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
The new-look Gators under coach Jon Sumrall will face a battle-tested quarterback.
By the time last season ended, Manning didn’t recognize himself when comparing the Michigan and Ohio State film.
“I looked like a different player,” he said. “And I still feel like I have a lot to prove and a lot left in me that I can still display on Saturdays.”
Manning will have the supporting cast to shine.
Veteran Longhorn Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman could form one the SEC’s best receiving duos. Transfers Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) should boost a running game that averaged just 93.13 yards in conference games, reducing the burden on the elusive Manning.
Dressed in a blue blazer with a burnt-orange necktie and Longhorn lapel pin, Manning was the final act of a four-day event showcasing the SEC’s 16 schools. He handled his much-anticipated appearance like he plans to approach the upcoming season.
“You got to block out the negatives and the positives, and just continue to stay in the present moment,” he said. “I’m not worried about anything in the future right now. I’m worried about getting through this interview.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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