Arch Manning Struggles Again: Texas QB Faces Growing Doubts Ahead of Crucial Stretch

Nick Pedone|published: Sun 14th September, 17:40 2025

Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) keeps the ball while running for a touchdown past Texas El Paso Miners linebacker Micah Davey (48) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Have we ever considered the fact that Arch Manning might just stink?

It’s either that, or he’s playing injured.

Or maybe every single NFL Draft and college football talent evaluator under the sun was dead wrong, duped into buying the hype about one of the most polarizing college athletes since Johnny Manziel.

Manning struggled in Saturday’s 27-10 victory against UTEP. Texas won comfortably on the scoreboard, but Manning completed just 11-of-25 passes for 114 yards, with one interception and one touchdown. He was even booed by the home crowd as the Longhorns’ offense sputtered against an opponent paid $1.63 million to take a loss.

"I've got to play better," Manning admitted after the game. "A lot of quarterbacks -- a lot of players -- want to be great. I know I'm better than this."

Both Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian have denied that the QB is pushing through an injury. Still, cameras have repeatedly caught Manning grimacing after throws.

"He doesn't have any (injury)," Sarkisian said, before offering a bizarre comparison. "I don't know. I've never filmed any of you guys when you're using the bathroom, so I don't know what kind of faces you're making."

Before the season, Manning was a +800 betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Just three weeks in, his odds have cratered to +3500.

The skepticism has been brewing since Week 1. Manning struggled against Ohio State — which many excused because the Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s best defenses. In Week 2 against San Jose State, he posted better numbers (19-of-30, 295 yards, four touchdowns, one interception), though his inconsistencies persisted. That performance still stands as the highlight of his college career to date.

Now, the Longhorns have a real problem.

Their soft early schedule has shielded Manning from national scrutiny. That changes soon. Texas hosts Sam Houston State in Week 4, but in early October they travel to Florida before hosting No. 8 Oklahoma. Both games will be under the national spotlight.

If Manning struggles again, the criticism won’t just grow louder — it will become unavoidable.