The Southeastern Conference can be a major uphill climb, and Arch Manning truly found out what that meant last year, according to his head coach. In conversation with Kay Adams, Steve Sarkisian spoke about the young quarterback's newfound toughness.

On the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, the head coach reflected on not just metaphorical, but the literal pains the quarterback had been through in his breakout year.

"He kind of just let the guard down, Sarkisian revealed about the most recent Citrus Bowl on June 15. "He took the governor off himself and just said, "I'm going I'm going for it. I'm going to play." I think that's what we've wanted out of him. But that's the growing pains that you go through, and probably unfair expectations of him."

Expectations have certainly been high for Arch Manning, with various outlets projecting him as an overall No. 1 pick next year. But before that will come another SEC season.

On the podcast, Sarkisian reflected on how Manning's first season as a starter tested him both physically and mentally. An on-the-road game in Ohio was a tough start for the new starting QB.

For the HC, the young quarterback discovered just how tough he truly was while battling through injuries and adversity as the year unfolded.

Even late in the season, Manning continued fighting through obvious pain. Sarkisian pointed to moments against Michigan where the quarterback was left bloodied and dealing with hip issues, yet still scrambling for touchdowns and refusing to back down.

After putting up 3,163 yards and 26 passing touchdowns in his first year as QB1, the conversation naturally shifted to whether Manning was expected to stay in Texas next year.

Texas Longhorns HC Addresses Arch Manning Exit Question

On the same podcast, Kay Adams addressed Manning's future with Texas and when he planned to enter the NFL draft.

Since 2023, Manning has been a part of the Texas Longhorns, patiently waiting for gametime in his first two years. Over time, this has built a trust that the HC doesn't see going away anytime soon.

"We haven't had the discussion," Sarkisian revealed about Manning's future. "But I will tell you I would not be surprised. I think Arch really loves college football. I really do. I think he loves the University of Texas. He does pretty good through NIL."

Texas ultimately closed the 2025 campaign with a strong 10-3 record, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play, before finishing the year in style with a dominant 41-27 Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan.

The Longhorns later secured a No. 12 ranking in the final AP Top 25, giving the program clear momentum heading into 2026.

Now, with a full season of experience behind him, Arch Manning will look to build on that foundation and take both his game and Texas's championship hopes to another level next season.

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Written by

Aadesh Dhote

Edited by

Rudra Dubey