Longhorns Country

Arch Manning Turns Down Appearance at CFB 26 Cover Photoshoot

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is headed into his first season as a starter.
Zach Dimmitt|
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Texas Longhorns

AUSTIN -- Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is letting some other players have a moment in the spotlight.

According to Inside Texas, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday at the Houston Touchdown Club that both he and Manning opted out of appearing at a photoshoot at the Rose Bowl for the cover of the new College Football 26 video game.

Manning, who just turned 20 on Sunday, could have had the chance to be the second Texas quarterback on the game's cover in as many years after Quinn Ewers did so for the debut release last offseason. However, Manning seems to be more intent on continuing to get prepared for the 2025 season.

Arch Mannin
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and Quinn Ewers (3) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sarkisian also talked about Manning's upcoming season, as he'll officially be taking over the starting job after two years with the program. Sarkisian said he hopes that by this time next season, Manning will have a difficult decision regarding his future and whether that means heading to the NFL Draft or coming back to Texas for a fourth year.

"Here's what I hope: I hope he's got a really hard decision to make around January 21," Sarkisian said. "That means we played a long time. That means he played a really good season. And that means he's trying to figure out do I want one more year in the burnt orange or is it time to go to the NFL. I hope it's a really hard decision. I hope it's not a no-brainer to come back to school."

Manning will have Trey Owens and true freshman K.J Lacey behind him the quarterback room next season. They could be next in line if Manning decides that the NFL is the best route for him this time next year.

Manning finished last season with 10 appearances and two starts. He went 61 of 90 passing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two picks. He added 25 carries for 108 yards and four scores on the ground.

He'll begin the 2025 season on a big stage when the Longhorns visit the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Aug. 30 in Columbus.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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