Arch Manning's explosive Citrus Bowl MVP performance and stellar season surge him to #3 in early QB projections, igniting Heisman hopes.
It was first down at their own 40-yard line at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Texas quarterback Arch Manning took the snap and broke through the line of scrimmage for a 60-yard touchdown run that was the dagger in the heart of the Michigan Wolverines in a 41-27 victory.
In that game, Manning accounted for 376 yards and four touchdowns and earned the game’s MVP award.
It was their third consecutive victory to finish the season at 10-3. During that mini-winning streak, Manning’s yardage total was 902 with 11 total touchdowns. More importantly, Manning threw zero interceptions over that stretch.
With that production and momentum, Manning has landed on an early top ten quarterback projection by J.D. PicKell of On3. According to PicKell, Manning is the No. 3 quarterback in college football, behind only Dante Moore of Oregon and Julian Sayin of Ohio State.
Manning had the best campaign of his collegiate career in 2025, throwing for over 3,100 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with just two picks in the final eight games of the season.
By contrast, Moore threw four interceptions and went 2-1 over the final three games, with wins over ranked opponents James Madison and Texas Tech in the College Football Playoff.
Over his final three games of last season, Sayin threw three interceptions and led his team to a 1-2 record when it counted the most, with losses to eventual national champions Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game and to national runner-up Miami in the playoffs.
Manning will have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal on offense next season.
The Longhorns return Ryan Wingo at one receiver spot and picked up former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman from the transfer portal. They also landed transfer running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, who were the best in the portal.
Manning will be a certain Heisman Trophy candidate in 2026, and with this offense, he could lead the Longhorns to a national title. Texas will be one of the top teams in college football next season.
Manning should be at the top of this quarterback list. When the game is on the line or too close for comfort, he wants the ball in his hands, and he can beat you with his arm or his legs.
No. 3 on this list, they say? Manning wants to be No. 1.