Texas quarterback Arch Manning ended his first season as the Longhorns’ full-time starter with a bang against Michigan on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Manning led Texas to a 41-27 win over the Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, scoring four total touchdowns with nearly 400 yards of offense in the high-scoring affair. The redshirt sophomore quarterback outplayed fellow former five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, who completed 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns to three interceptions in the loss.
Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, entered the season as one of the most hyped players in recent college football history due to his family ties and background as a five-star recruit. He struggled at first but ultimately ended the regular season with 2,942 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions, also rushing for 244 yards and eight scores.
Manning has already announced he’s returning to Texas in 2026, and will have huge expectations after the Longhorns failed to reach the College Football Playoff this season despite opening the year as the preseason No. 1 team in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll.
Here’s a look at Manning’s full stats against Michigan in Texas’ season-closing win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl:
Arch Manning stats
Passing: 21-of-34 passing for 221 yards with two touchdowns
Rushing: Nine carries for 155 yards with two touchdowns (17.2 yards per carry)
Arch Manning highlights
Each of Manning’s four touchdowns were at least 15 yards, starting with a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jack Endries in the second quarter.
Manning scored again late in the third quarter, taking it himself for a 23-yard touchdown run off the scramble, avoiding numerous defenders while breaking a few tackles.
He later threw a pinpoint pass to Kaliq Lockett in a one-on-one situation for a 30-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give Texas a 31-27 lead.
He also showed off his wheels when, immediately following an Underwood turnover, he outran the entire Michigan defense for a 60-yard score to put the game out of reach.
In all, Manning’s performance helped lift an undermanned Texas team to a win in the Citrus Bowl — and kickstart what could be an even more anticipated follow-up season in 2026.
