Before the season, Arch Manning was the projected No. 1 selection in a future NFL Draft and the Heisman favorite.
In the middle of the season, he was a bust, should get benched, and wasn’t worth the money Texas spent on him.
And now, at the end of the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 campaign, Arch Manning is once again projected as a future No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and most likely the Heisman favorite going into 2026.
The heir to the Manning football throne was marvelous on Wednesday night in the Citrus Bowl, putting together a showcase that will be spliced in several highlight packages over the next few months before the next season begins.
Manning threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and then showed off his mobility, which makes him possibly even a more dangerous prospect than Peyton or Eli in their college days. He rushed for 155 yards and another pair of touchdowns against a tough Michigan defense.
Following the game, it was right onto next year, as Manning announced he does not want to be back at the Citrus Bowl in 2026, as his sights are on the College Football Playoff.
In what will most likely be his last year in college before declaring for the NFL Draft, head coach Steve Sarkisian will have to do everything in his power to build the roster around his quarterback to reach that pinnacle.
More news: Transfer Portal Prediction: Ohio State Poach Top Player from Penn State
More news: Transfer Portal Prediction: Texas Add Nation’s TD-Leader for Arch Manning
As the transfer portal opens in a little over 24 hours, there’s one player playing in Texas who could be a gigantic addition to Manning’s arsenal.
Prediction: Wyatt Young (North Texas) signs with the Texas Longhorns
If the Longhorns want a surefire wide receiver that will elevate the entire offense, Young is the player they should sign during the 15-day transfer window.
A hard-nosed and strong receiver with great hands in contention, Young is the type of playmaker who will grind out his own yards and then block for the teammate next to him. With Manning’s legs, Young could create a dynamic duo between the two going into next year.
He resembles a Cooper Kupp-style player on the field. Someone who won’t make your jaw drop from his athleticism but is always in the right place at the right time and can turn a nothing play into a 60-yard touchdown after contact.
Young finished with 1,264 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025 as part of the North Texas Mean Green.
The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
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