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Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Texas' Arch Manning Makes Bold 2026 NFL Draft Statement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Whether or not Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning enters the 2026 NFL draft or stays in school is arguably the biggest question looming over the 2025 college football season. The redshirt sophomore signal-caller got a small taste of being an SEC starting QB last season when starter Quinn Ewers, who's since been drafted by the Miami Dolphins, went down with an abdominal injury. In six appearances, Manning threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 108 yards and another four scores. He even led Texas to its first SEC win as a member of the conference in a Sept. 28 win over Mississippi State — a game in which he had 325 yards passing with two touchdowns plus 33 yards rushing and another score. And while the buzz surrounding Manning as he heads into his first year as a full-time starter couldn't be any higher — he's considered by many to be a Heisman Trophy frontrunner — the 21-year-old passer held his composure as he dodged a question he's sure to be asked many times between now and Jan. 15 (the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft), admitting next year's draft isn't even on his radar right now. More College Football: Nick Saban Could Leave 'College GameDay' for Coaching Job: Report Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia."I'm really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow," Manning said during SEC Media Days on Tuesday, via Pro Football Talk. "I'm just focused on this year and getting better each day." There's plenty of pressure on Manning to deliver in taking over for Ewers, who 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns and 24 interceptions while leading Texas to a 21-4 record with back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals. There were many calls for Manning to leapfrog Ewers last season and take over the starting role as Texas narrowly squeaked past Texas A&M 17-7 on Nov. 30 and suffered a 22-19 overtime defeat to Georgia the following week in the SEC Championship Game. More Football: Vikings Hit With Troubling J.J. McCarthy Prediction But Manning admitted that he was a little uncomfortable being Ewers' backup with so many people petitioning head coach Steve Sarkisian to move Manning into the QB1 role — a position he didn't feel he'd earned. "You've got to walk the walk first," Manning said, via The Athletic. "As much as it wasn't always fun sitting the first two years, I've got a lot of respect for my teammates who were playing. Now I come at it from a place of love, not just being a turd." While Manning has stated in the past he plans to stay all four years at Texas before turning pro, some analysts are convinced if he starts putting up Heisman numbers, he might be too tempted to pass up being drafted No. 1 overall.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Longhorns QB Arch Manning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entering the 2025 college football season, the Texas Longhorns and quarterback Arch Manning are expected to be one of the best teams in the nation. Manning has drawn a lot of attention due to being the nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, but he's now ready to forge his own path. Manning has the talent to become something very special. Many believe that he would be in contention to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses to leave Texas. That being said, he has a lot of hype to live up to during the upcoming season with the Longhorns. Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo byAhead of his first year as the full-time starter for Texas, Manning's uncle, Peyton, spoke out him. The legendary NFL quarterback is expecting a big-time year from his nephew. Read more: Bill Belichick's Future With North Carolina Made Crystal Clear By Insider During an interview with Sporting News, Manning spoke out about Arch. He made it clear first and foremost just how proud he is of the young signal caller. "I'm proud of Arch," Manning said. "He went to Texas because that's where he wanted to go. He wanted to go to school there. That was the reason I went to Tennessee." Manning continued on to talk about what makes the Longhorns such a good football program. "It's more than just the football program," he said. "You like going to school there. You like the head coach who also calls the plays, and that creates great continuity. To me, the Kyle Shanahans, the Sean McVays – when the head coach is calling the plays – the quarterback is going to thrive in the same system every single year." He then transitioned into talking about the younger Manning's upcoming year. "The fact that this will be Arch's third year in that system, he'll have great knowledge of the system – still hasn't had on-the-field game reps as I'm sure he would have liked, but those will come this year," Manning said. "There will be things for him to learn, but I'm proud of him for his commitment and I'm looking forward to watching him play." Read more: Ohio State Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin Already Creating Huge Hype Last season, Arch received some valuable playing time behind Quinn Ewers. He completed 67.8 percent of his pass attempts for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also ran for 108 yards and four more scores. After waiting behind Ewers for two years, it's Manning's turn. He's ready for the limelight and will be given a chance to prove that the superstar hype he has received as a backup is accurate. His uncle is clearly excited and expecting big things from him. It will be interesting to see if Manning is able to prove everyone right for believing in him. For more Texas Longhorns and college football news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
More than 12 Georgia players expected to miss Sugar Bowl
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts following the 44-42 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in eighth overtime at Sanford Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by) The Georgia Bulldogs will be without several key contributors in the Sugar Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A combination of transfers, suspensions and injuries means that more than 10 Georgia Bulldogs will miss the Sugar Bowl. Georgia is most notably without starting quarterback Carson Beck against Notre Dame. In Beck's place, the Bulldogs will start backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. He began the second half of the SEC championship game under center, but has only 51 career passing attempts. Georgia football injuries Quarterback Carson Beck ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 07: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs lays on the ground after an injury against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) Georgia quarterback Carson Beck underwent surgery on his elbow and is out for the Sugar Bowl and the rest of Georgia's season. Beck will cheer the Bulldogs from the sidelines. Advertisement Status: Out for season Punter Brett Thorson Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the ball to the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Star Georgia punter Brett Thorson is out for the year with the knee injury he suffered in the SEC championship game. Freshman Drew Miller is expected to play in Thorson's place. Status: Out for season Running back Roderick Robinson Apr 13, 2024; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Roderick Robinson II runs against defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) during the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Robinson suffered a lower body injury in practice and is not expected to play in the Sugar Bowl. Robinson has appeared in just two Georgia games this season. Status: Doubtful Running back Branson Robinson Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Branson Robinson (22) leaves with an injury against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Robinson was not present at Georgia's practices in the lead up to the Sugar Bowl and has reportedly suffered a setback to his knee. Robinson has not played in several months. With Branson Robinson and Roderick Robinson out, Georgia will rely on running backs Trevor Etienne, Nate Frazier and Cash Jones. Advertisement Status: Doubtful Defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Phil Mafah (7) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (99) and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (2) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Georgia freshman defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, a former elite recruit, has not played since undergoing leg surgery in late October. Jonah-Ajonye is out for the year. Status: Out for season Suspension: Wide receiver Colbie Young Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Colbie Young (8) catches a touchdown pass in front of Clemson Tigers cornerback Jeadyn Lukus (10) in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young has been suspended indefinitely since the Auburn game back in early October. Young has 11 receptions, 149 yards and two touchdowns this season. Status: Doubtful Transfers that aren't with Georgia AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Julian Humphrey #12 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by) Nine Georgia players have entered the transfer portal since the SEC championship game. Two of the players (David Daniel-Sisavanh and Rara Thomas) in the portal were not with the team during the regular season. The other seven have not been practicing and are expected to miss the Sugar Bowl. Advertisement Most notably cornerback Julian Humphrey and defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett are expected to miss the Notre Dame game and the playoff. Humphrey and Jarrett were part of UGA's defensive rotation. Cornerback Julian Humphrey Wide receiver Michael Jackson Defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett Linebacker Troy Bowles Defensive back Jake Pope Defensive back Justyn Rhett Outside linebacker Samuel M'Pemba This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: More than 12 Georgia players expected to miss Sugar Bowl
