Arch Manning says a lot has changed since he overcame a season of adversity one year ago.
"I think I've become more present, obviously more mature," the Texas quarterback said Thursday when asked about the biggest difference from a last campaign, according to Evan Vieth of Inside Texas. "I think going through those rough times, learned a lot about myself, became a better man because of it, and hopefully a better player. I don't want to repeat that game."
Manning struggled out of the gate in 2025, his first season as the opening day starter. However, he showed vast improvements down the stretch, winning five of his final six games with 14 touchdown passes to only two interceptions.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian says he's also noticed differences in Manning's leadership this time around.
"I think that last season he found out a lot about himself," Sarkisian said Thursday, according to Blake Holland of KXAN+. "Anytime we're faced with adversity and we get on the other side of it, you gain confidence. I think that you see a different leader in him in the way that he interacts with his teammates. The work ethic hasn't change but I think the ability to lead vocally is much different than before. I think he's very comfortable with who he is and he's not trying to be something that he's not."
Sarkisian added that the criticism Manning, who many pundits predicted to be a Heisman candidate, faced last year "would have melted 99% of people in his shoes," according to Brett McMurphy of On3.
The Longhorns begin their 2026 campaign against Texas State on Sept. 5 before clashing with Ohio State a week later.
