The 2025 college football season was a year of immense scrutiny and signifcant growth for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Entering his redshirt sophomore year as the starting quarterback, Manning was tasked with living up to unprecedented hype and a famous family legacy. While the season started with struggles and did not result in a College Football Playoff berth for the Longhorns, Manning’s performance evolved and he showcased his elite talent to close out the season.
Manning delivered a “statement” game in the Longhorns’ 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, earning MVP honors and showcasing a dual-threat capability that has solidified his status as a top contender for the 2026 Heisman Trophy. His performance, featuring four total touchdowns and nearly 400 yards of total offense, served as a powerful “launching pad” for Texas’s aspirations in the 2026 season.
Key Takeaways From Manning’s Masterpiece Performance
The Emergence of a Potent Dual-Threat Quarterback
The primary takeaway from the Citrus Bowl is Manning’s evolution into a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. While he is already known to use his legs when needed, he took his running ability to a completely new level against Michigan which is something that the Wolverines were not prepared for. Manning became the first player in the Citrus Bowl’s 80-year history to record over 150 yards passing and 150 rushing yards rushing in the same game, a feat that included a game-sealing 60-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter. This special mobility, combined with his stature and improved physique from work in the weight room, makes him a significantly more dangerous player.
Clutch Performance Under Pressure
Manning’s best moments came when the game was on the line. In the fourth quarter, with Texas trailing 27-24, he engineered a go-ahead drive featuring a crucial fourth-down conversion with a 15-yard run, followed by a perfectly floated 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kaliq Lockett. This ability to make big plays in clutch moments, a trait shared with his uncles Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, highlights his leadership and competitive will.
Poise and Turnover-Free Football
Despite facing a chaotic situation with Texas missing several key starters due to the transfer portal and injuries, Manning played a clean, turnover-free game. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. This composure allowed the Longhorns to stay the course, even when Michigan briefly took the lead, and ultimately pull away in the final minutes.
A Springboard for 2026 Expectations
The victory, which capped off a 10-3 season for Texas, has generated immense optimism for the 2026 season. Manning’s performance suggests he has addressed some of the inconsistencies from earlier in the 2025 season and is now operating at a championship level. With Manning already confirmed to return for his redshirt junior season, the Longhorns will enter 2026 as potential favorites for a College Football Playoff berth, and Manning himself a likely preseason Heisman favorite.
Final Thoughts
Manning’s Citrus Bowl performance was more than just a win, it was a statement of intent. He demonstrated the skills and resilience required of an elite college quarterback. His dazzling display of arm talent and elite running ability has set high expectations for his future in Austin, as he humorously noted he doesn’t want to play in the Citrus Bowl twice.
By choosing to stay, Manning aims to further his development, chase a national championship, and solidify his standing as a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. At one time he was considered the favorite to be the top pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, and after watching Manning’s performance at the end of the year, it’s easy to see why. If we get the same Manning for the 2026 season that we did for the Citrus Bowl, then expect him to still be the top pick, just a year later than expected.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
