Arch Manning isn’t heading to the NFL just yet. The Texas quarterback is officially returning to Austin for the 2026 college football season, as confirmed by his father, Cooper Manning. While there had been some buzz about a possible early leap to the pros, this move keeps one of the sport’s most recognizable names in the college ranks for at least one more year - and it sets the stage for a highly anticipated SEC showdown next fall.
Let’s start with the numbers. Manning wrapped up his first full season as the Longhorns’ starter with 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions - solid production for a young quarterback still settling into the spotlight.
He helped guide Texas to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where they’ll face Michigan on New Year’s Eve. But it's what comes after that bowl game that’s already drawing attention.
Circle September 26 on your 2026 calendar. That’s when Texas heads to Knoxville for an SEC opener against Tennessee, and now it’s confirmed that Arch Manning will be under center for the Longhorns. It’s a game loaded with storylines - not just because it’s a rare matchup (only the fourth ever between Texas and Tennessee, and the first since the 1969 Cotton Bowl), but because of where it’s happening: Neyland Stadium.
For Tennessee fans, the Manning name carries weight - and memories. Peyton Manning remains one of the most beloved players in program history, and now his nephew will step onto the same field, this time wearing burnt orange. It’ll be the first time a Manning takes the field at Neyland since Peyton’s final home game as a Volunteer.
Peyton, for his part, has been nothing but supportive of Arch’s journey. “Eli and I are just uncles,” he said this past summer on the Pat McAfee Show.
“We try to be there as a resource for him, but Cooper’s done a great job. Arch has been patient, and I thought he threw the ball really well at camp.”
That patience paid off this season, as Arch showed glimpses of the quarterback many expected him to become.
His best statistical performance came late in the year against Arkansas, when he threw for 389 yards. But his most efficient outing? That came in a tight win over Vanderbilt, where he completed nearly 76% of his passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns - a sign of his growing command of the offense and ability to deliver in crunch time.
The SEC schedule only gets tougher from here, and the Tennessee matchup is just the beginning. For the Vols, the 2026 campaign opens with three non-conference games, including a road trip to Georgia Tech, before diving into a brutal nine-game SEC stretch.
Hosting Texas in Week 4 is a tone-setter, and depending on how both teams fare in September - especially Texas’ early matchup with Ohio State - this could be a primetime, spotlight-grabbing showdown. Don’t be surprised if College GameDay makes a visit.
Here’s a look at Tennessee’s full 2026 SEC schedule:
- Sept. 26 - Texas at Tennessee
- Oct. 3 - Auburn at Tennessee
- Oct. 10 - Tennessee at Arkansas
- Oct. 17 - Alabama at Tennessee
- Oct. 24 - Tennessee at South Carolina
- Oct. 31 - OPEN
- Nov. 7 - Kentucky at Tennessee
- Nov. 14 - Tennessee at Texas A&M
- Nov. 21 - LSU at Tennessee
- Nov. 28 - Tennessee at Vanderbilt
With Arch Manning back at the helm for Texas, the Longhorns enter 2026 with continuity at the game’s most important position - and a quarterback who’s already shown he can handle the pressure. The SEC schedule won’t offer many breathers, but Manning’s return gives Texas a shot to make real noise in their second season in the league.
And come late September, all eyes will be on Knoxville - where a familiar name will once again echo through Neyland Stadium.