Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns concluded their 2025 season on a high note, securing a 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl. This win capped off a respectable season for Texas, finishing with a record of 10 wins and 3 losses, including 6-2 in SEC matchups.
Throughout the season, Manning showcased his skills by completing 248 of 404 passes for a total of 3,163 yards, along with an impressive tally of 26 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 144.9. Additionally, Manning demonstrated his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing 92 times for 399 yards and leading the team with 10 rushing touchdowns.
Despite entering the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Poll and the high expectations that surrounded him, Manning and the Longhorns fell short of qualifying for the College Football Playoff. He also did not secure a spot in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting, which added pressure and scrutiny to his performance.
However, recognition for Manning’s talents continues to grow. Recently, the Texas football program announced that he has been named a finalist for the prestigious Manning Award, which celebrates the nation’s most outstanding college quarterback. This award is named in honor of the Manning family, including Archie’s grandfather and his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning.
Manning joins four other finalists announced on Thursday, along with a group of ten additional contenders previously revealed. Among his SEC peers are Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, demonstrating the strong competition in the conference.
The previous winner of the Manning Award was Cam Ward of the Miami Hurricanes. Manning has the opportunity to become only the second Texas quarterback to win this accolade, following in the footsteps of Vince Young, who took home the award in 2005. The announcement of the award winner will occur after the national championship game, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the results.
With this recognition, Arch Manning’s future remains bright as he continues to develop as a formidable force in college football.