Arch Manning makes final decision on returning to Texas in 2026

Arch Manning makes final decision on returning to Texas in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning will return to school and play for the Longhorns in 2026, ending months of speculation about whether he would declare for the 2026 NFL draft following his first season as a starter.

ESPN’s Dave Wilson reported on Monday night that Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, confirmed the decision. “Arch is playing football at Texas next year,” he said.

Texas officials also told ESPN the program fully expected Manning to return, even though the redshirt sophomore was eligible to enter the draft. Manning’s decision gives the Longhorns a boost at the game’s most important position as they look to build on a late-season surge.

During a media event in Orlando, Florida, ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said another year of college football would benefit Manning.

“He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise,” Sarkisian said. “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 added that Texas’ unfinished goals likely factored into the decision.

“We left some meat on the bone with an opportunity to be SEC champs, national champs,” Sarkisian said.

Manning played his best football down the stretch as Texas went 6-1 late in the season and pushed for the College Football Playoff. Entering the bowl game, he has completed 227 of 370 passes for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with only two picks over the final seven games. He also rushed for eight touchdowns.