Is Arch Manning returning to Texas for 2026 college football season?
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Arch Manning’s first season as Texas football’s full-time starting quarterback will end with the Longhorns‘ fourth bowl appearance in as many seasons.
The 14th-ranked Longhorns are set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff against No. 17 Michigan on Wednesday, Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, where Manning will be matched up against the Wolverines‘ own highly touted quarterback in freshman Bryce Underwood.
A win in the Citrus Bowl would improve Manning’s record to 12-3 as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback in his career.
Manning heads into the Citrus Bowl having played some of his best football to end the regular season. In Texas’ final four games — which came against then-No. 9 Vanderbilt, No. 5 Georgia, Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M — Manning threw for 1,147 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.
Given the high expectations that surrounded the Longhorns’ quarterback heading into the season, it has created some curiosity on whether Manning will leave college with eligibility remaining by entering the NFL draft early — a departure from his family’s history.
Here’s what to know:
Is Arch Manning returning to Texas football in 2026?
Yes, Manning is returning to Texas in 2026. It will be his second full season serving as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback.
Arch Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, confirmed his son’s decision in a text message to ESPN’s Dave Wilson on Monday, Dec. 15.
“Arch is playing football at Texas next year,” the text to ESPN read.
The decision came shortly after Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said he believed Manning could benefit from another year in college.
“He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise. I would think he’s going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL,” Sarkisian said. “And he’s got some unfinished business of what he came here to do and what he came here to accomplish.”
When is Arch Manning eligible for the NFL draft?
Manning is eligible for the NFL draft this season, as he has been out of high school for at least three years. The 6-foot-4 quarterback redshirted in his true freshman season after appearing in just three games, giving him two additional years of eligibility after this season.
Here’s a look at the draft eligibility rules from the NFL:
“To be eligible for the draft, players must have been out of high school for at least three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. Underclassmen and players who have graduated before using all their college eligibility may request the league’s approval to enter the draft early.
“Players are draft-eligible only in the year after the end of their college eligibility.”
Arch Manning stats
Here’s a look at Manning’s stats at Texas this season:
- Passing: 227-of-370 passing (61.4%) for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions
- Rushing: 244 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 83 carries
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Arch Manning return to Texas in 2026 or enter NFL draft? What to know
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