Arch Manning’s Citrus Bowl Breakout Puts Him Squarely in the Heisman Conversation
When Arch Manning took the snap on his own 40-yard line in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, there was no hesitation-just a burst of speed, a clean read through the line, and 60 yards later, he was in the end zone. That touchdown run didn’t just seal a 41-27 win over Michigan.
It was a statement. Manning wasn’t just finishing the season strong-he was announcing himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
That performance capped off a dominant day: 376 total yards, four touchdowns, and the game’s MVP honors. More importantly, it was the final exclamation point on a three-game win streak that pushed Texas to a 10-3 finish.
During that stretch, Manning threw for 902 yards, accounted for 11 touchdowns, and didn’t throw a single interception. That kind of clean, explosive play down the stretch is exactly what you want from your quarterback-not just numbers, but leadership and execution when it matters most.
And people are taking notice. J.D.
PicKell of On3 has Manning slotted as the No. 3 quarterback in early 2026 projections, trailing only Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. That’s elite company, but there’s a real argument Manning belongs even higher.
Let’s look at the numbers. In 2025, Manning put together the best season of his college career: over 3,100 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
And here’s the kicker-only two of those picks came in the final eight games. That’s growth, poise, and trustworthiness in the pocket.
He was getting better as the season went on, not fading.
Compare that to his peers. Moore threw four interceptions in his final three games, though he did notch wins over ranked opponents James Madison and Texas Tech in the College Football Playoff. Sayin, meanwhile, struggled when the lights were brightest-three picks and a 1-2 record to close the year, including losses to eventual national champ Indiana and runner-up Miami.
Manning? He just kept delivering.
And the table is set for an even bigger leap in 2026. Texas is reloading in a big way on offense.
Ryan Wingo is back at receiver, and the Longhorns added Cam Coleman, a dynamic playmaker from Auburn, via the transfer portal. In the backfield, Texas picked up two of the most coveted running backs available-Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers.
That’s not just depth; that’s firepower.
With that kind of talent surrounding him, Manning won’t just be a Heisman Trophy candidate-he’ll be one of the frontrunners. And if he continues to take care of the ball, make plays with both his arm and his legs, and show up in big moments like he did in the Citrus Bowl, Texas won’t just be in the playoff conversation. They’ll be in the national title hunt.
No. 3 on the quarterback list? That’s just bulletin board material.
Manning’s aiming higher. When the game’s on the line, he wants the ball.
And more often than not, he delivers.
The Heisman race just got a little more interesting. And Arch Manning is right in the middle of it.