Arch Manning Is Heisman Favorite But Oddsmakers Like Newest Longhorns Star, Too

Way before Arch Manning become a member of the Texas Longhorns, he was touted as "The Next Big Thing.''

When it that going to fully come to fruition? As far as the oddsmakers and the Heisman Trophy race are concerned ...

That time is now.

Part of the reason that Arch is the favorite, of course, is his raw talent - which might eventually make him the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

But the Longhorns' work in assembling a roster for 2026 is demonstrated by the fact that during this transfer cycle, it's not just Manning who is a Heisman candidate.

Receiver Cam Coleman (coming over from Auburn) is on the oddsmakers' hot list as well.

Per one oddsmakers site, the favorites look something like this ...

Arch Manning TEX 13/2

CJ Carr ND 7/1

Dante Moore ORE 8/1

Jeremiah Smith OSU 9/1

Julian Sayin OSU 9/1

Josh Hoover IND 10/1

Gunner Stockton UGA 11/1

Sam Leavitt LSU 12/1

Jayden Maiava USC 14/1

John Mateer OKL 16/1

Marcel Reed TAMU 16/1

Brendan Sorsby TTU 18/1

LaNorris Sellers SCAR 22/1

Malachi Toney MIA 25/1

Byrum Brown AUB 28/1

Dylan Raiola ORE 28/1

Bryce Underwood MICH 33/1

Demond Williams Jr WAS 40/1

Devon Dampier UTAH 40/1

Austin Mack ALA 50/1

Keelon Russell ALA 50/1

Aaron Philo FLA 55/1

Bear Bachmeier BYU 60/1

Lincoln Kienholz LOU 60/1

Rocco Becht PSU 60/1

Kevin Jennings SMU 65/1

Austin Simmons MISS 70/1

Avery Johnson KST 70/1

Christopher Vizzina CLEM 70/1

Drew Mestemaker OKST 70/1

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele CAL 70/1

Ahmad Hardy MIZZ 80/1

Bo Jackson OSU 80/1

Kewan Lacy MISS 80/1

Noah Fifita ARIZ 80/1

Cam Coleman TEX 100/1

CJ Bailey NCST 100/1

Connor Weigman HOU 100/1

Nico Iamaleava UCLA 100/1

Anthony Colandrea NEB 125/1

Kamario Taylor MSST 125/1

Nick Marsh IND 125/1

Cutter Boley ASU 150/1

Alonza Barnett UCF 175/1

Beau Pribula UVA 175/1

Cameron Dickey TTU 175/1

Katin Houser ILL 175/1

Kenny Minchey UK 175/1

Malik Washington UMD 175/1

Mark Fletcher Jr MIA 175/1

Charlie Becker IND 200/1

Ethan Grunkemeyer VT 200/1

KJ Jackson ARK 200/1

Nate Frazier UGA 200/1

Ryan Williams ALA 200/1

READ MORE: South Carolina Lands Longhorns Transfer RB Amid Portal Chaos

As you can see, Texas - which last year was the preseason No. 1 team in the country - figures to get off on the right foot again in the eyes of the experts because of the presence of Arch throwing to Cam.

Last year, Texas had to settle for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where quarterback Manning went off against Michigan. Manning accounted for 376 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-27 win over the Wolverines.

As the Longhorns switch their mindset to upcoming spring practice?

READ MORE: Sark’s Portal Haul and Muschamp Return Signal New Era for Texas Defense

They will look to make a statement in 2026, with Manning and Coleman likely to play key roles - and maybe to eventually land a big individual prize.