Arch Manning looked like a completely different player Wednesday.
In the middle of a dominant 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines, Texas’ star quarterback, who is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, was seen talking a big game after he ripped a 60-yard rushing touchdown during the Citrus Bowl.
“I’m just gonna stop giving a f–k,” Manning appeared to say on the sidelines as caught by the cameras on ESPN after he put Texas up, 31-27, with 6:54 to go in the fourth quarter after the long run.
Warning: Adult Language
Manning, who already announced that he will return to Texas for another season after an uneven regular season, ended with a flourish despite the Longhorns not making the College Football Playoff.
“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going,” Manning told reporters postgame.
“There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play, and [I’m] excited to still be a part of this team.”
Manning was among the front-runners to be the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a tough start to the season saw his draft stock fall despite all the hype entering the year.
The Longhorns will enter 2026 with high expectations, as always, but their strong finish to the season will only add to the lofty forecast.
Manning ended the Citrus Bowl with 221 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 34 attempts, while adding 155 rushing yards and two scores with his legs.
Manning figures to be in high competition with other quarterbacks such as Julian Sayin, Jayden Maiava, LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Raiola, among others, in the 2027 class.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
