Arch Manning is stepping into 2026 with the table set for something special in Austin. Steve Sarkisian has built the kind of offensive infrastructure quarterbacks dream about - a fortified offensive line, a stocked backfield, and a receiving corps headlined by elite talent. All signs point to Manning being at the heart of a Texas team that’s not just aiming to return to the College Football Playoff, but to make serious noise once they get there.
So when a national ranking of the top 100 college football players dropped and Manning didn’t crack the top 10? Yeah, that raised some eyebrows.
Let’s unpack this.
Manning lands at No. 15 on the list, behind a handful of high-profile names - including two of his own teammates. Edge rusher Colin Simmons, a proven force off the edge, and wide receiver Cam Coleman, a high-upside transfer from Auburn, both landed ahead of the Texas quarterback.
Simmons makes sense. He’s been one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country over the last two seasons. His motor, technique, and ability to wreck game plans make him a legitimate top-10 player.
But Coleman? That’s where things get interesting.
Coleman flashed big-play ability at Auburn, putting up 708 receiving yards on a Tigers offense that never quite found its rhythm. His talent is undeniable, and he’s expected to be a major weapon for Texas this season.
But let’s be real - he hasn’t played a snap in burnt orange yet. Ranking him ahead of the guy who’s about to be delivering him the football?
That’s a tough sell.
Especially when you consider what Manning did in 2025.
Despite battling through an inconsistent offensive line, a running back room that lacked punch, and more than a few drive-killing drops from his receivers, Manning still posted 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns. Those numbers weren’t just solid - they were a testament to his poise, athleticism, and growth as a leader under center.
And now? The pieces around him are better.
The protection is sturdier. The weapons are deeper.
The system is built for him to thrive.
There’s a reason he’s showing up in the top three of most way-too-early Heisman odds. And while rankings like these are always subjective - and, let’s be honest, built to spark debate - leaving Manning outside the top 10 feels like a miss. Not just because of what he’s already accomplished, but because of what he’s poised to do next.
This is a quarterback who’s not just managing a game - he’s elevating a program. And with the spotlight only getting brighter in 2026, expect Arch Manning to remind everyone exactly where he belongs in the college football hierarchy.