Arch Manning Earns Another Major Recognition Ahead of 2026 Campaign

Texas Longhorns' Quarterback Arch Manning's list of preseason honors continues to grow as the Texas quarterback prepares for what could be the biggest season of his college career.

The Longhorns' senior signal-caller has already established himself as one of the most recognizable quarterbacks in the country. After a breakout first full season as Texas' starter, Manning enters 2026 with expectations that extend well beyond Austin and a growing list of national awards recognizing his potential.

Now, another prestigious honor has been added to that list.

Manning Named to Manning Award Preseason Watch List

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) at a press conference during SEC Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. | | IMAGN IMAGES via Nathan Ray Seebeck

Manning was named to the 2026 Manning Award preseason watch list Monday, putting him among the early candidates for the award presented annually to the nation's top college quarterback. The honor carries an obvious connection for Manning, whose grandfather, Archie Manning, and uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, are the namesakes of the award.

The recognition comes after Manning's impressive first season as Texas' full-time starter. In 13 starts in 2025, he completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He also rushed for 399 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns, accounting for 36 total touchdowns.

Manning's strongest stretch came late in the season. Over his final six games, he totaled 1,714 passing yards, 205 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns while averaging 320 yards of total offense per game. Texas won seven of its final eight games during that stretch.

His postseason performance only strengthened the case.

Against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, Manning accounted for 376 total yards and four touchdowns in a 41-27 Texas victory. He threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 155 yards and two scores. The performance earned him Citrus Bowl MVP honors.

It also earned Manning a spot in the 2025 Manning Award finalist pool. Because postseason performances are considered for the award, Manning was added to the group following his performance against Michigan.

Now, he enters the 2026 season with a chance to take another step.

Manning has also been named to the preseason watch lists for the Davey O'Brien Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was selected as a preseason Walter Camp first-team All-American and a preseason second-team All-SEC quarterback.

The Longhorns enter the season ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press poll and No. 4 in the coaches poll, putting Manning in position to compete for national honors while leading one of the country's top teams.

The Manning Award may ultimately come down to what happens after the regular season. Unlike most major college football awards, it takes bowl and College Football Playoff performances into account. If Texas makes a deep postseason run, Manning will have another opportunity to make his case when the stakes are highest.

Manning should be viewed as a legitimate contender to become a finalist again, but winning the award will likely require more than simply matching his 2025 production.

If he can improve his efficiency, limit turnovers and lead Texas into the College Football Playoff, his combination of passing production, rushing ability and postseason experience gives him a strong path to the award.

And if he does win, it would be difficult to imagine a more fitting addition to the Manning family legacy.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google