The 2026 offseason begins with the Longhorns' starting quarterback having a "minor" procedure done on his foot.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning underwent a surgical procedure on his foot, the school announced on Friday.
ESPN confirmed that Manning is expected to return in time for spring practices ahead of the 2026 season, which will be his fourth overall and second as the full-time starter in Austin.
The surgery is considered to be "minor" and done for "preventative measures to address a previous injury."
Arch, the 6-4 nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is a dual-threat player who has numerous highlights of bursting runs through opposing defenses. He also utilizes his mobility with a keen awareness of when to flush out of the pocket and avoid pressure.
Last season, Manning rushed for 10 touchdowns to go with his 3,163 passing yards and 26 scores through the air.
Though his slow start at the beginning of the season wiped away preseason Heisman candidacy and plummeted the preseason No. 1 Longhorns, Arch put together a strong second-half surge that allowed the Longhorns to finish inside the top 15 in the year-end standings.
Manning's impressive performance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, a resounding win over Michigan, has put the preseason hype back near the level it was a year ago. A 60-yard rushing touchdown from the Lousiana native was the cherry on top of a 41-27 victory for the Longhorns.
Texas will be considered as top-five team entering next season, and Manning again sees himself as a favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
Manning made it official that he would return to the Forty Acres for his redshirt junior season shortly after the bowl game win, as many expected he would. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is excited to see how his signal-caller will continue to mature with next season determining his future at the professional ranks.
"He's a young man who's gotten better as the season's gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity wise," Sarkisian told reporters before the Citrus Bowl.
"I would think he's going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL. And he's got some unfinished business of what he came here to do and what he came here to accomplish."
The Longhorns made waves this offseason by signing a large haul of transfer portal stars, notably led by former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman, who figures to join Ryan Wingo as an elite one-two punch for Manning to work with through the air.
On the ground, it appears Arch's feet will also be at full strength following this precautionary procedure.
