As the clock struck 3:30 p.m. ET on December 31, 2025, all eyes turned to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, where the 14th-ranked Texas Longhorns faced off against No. 17 Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The matchup wasn’t just another bowl game—it was a showcase of two of college football’s most talked-about quarterbacks: Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s freshman sensation Bryce Underwood. But while the on-field drama was brewing, the sidelines were buzzing for a different reason—Cooper Manning, Arch’s father, had stolen a bit of the spotlight with his bold, quirky outfit, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media.
For Arch Manning, this game marked the end of his first full season as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, capping off a year that saw Texas reach its fourth consecutive bowl appearance. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning and perhaps the most hyped recruit to ever come out of Louisiana, entered the Citrus Bowl with a wave of momentum. Over the Longhorns’ final four games—against then-No. 9 Vanderbilt, No. 5 Georgia, Arkansas, and No. 3 Texas A&M—he threw for an impressive 1,147 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception. He also showcased his versatility, adding two rushing touchdowns and even a receiving touchdown to his stat line.
His season totals tell a story of growth and resilience: 227 completions on 370 attempts (a 61.4% completion rate), 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. On the ground, Manning contributed 244 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 83 carries. It’s the kind of stat sheet that would make any college quarterback proud—and one that fueled speculation about his future plans.
The Citrus Bowl itself was set to be an electrifying affair, not only because of the stakes but also due to the quarterback duel. Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, a freshman with his own share of hype, lined up opposite Manning, creating a narrative-rich clash that had fans and analysts buzzing. A win for Texas would boost Manning’s record as a starting quarterback to an impressive 12-3, further cementing his burgeoning legacy in Austin.
Yet, with such a strong finish to the season, questions naturally arose: Would Arch Manning declare for the NFL Draft, following in the footsteps of his famous uncles, or would he return to Texas for another year to continue his development? Rumors swirled—some even speculated about a potential transfer to Alabama—but those whispers were quickly put to rest during the bowl festivities.
The answer came straight from the Manning family itself. Cooper Manning, never one to shy away from the spotlight (as evidenced by his attention-grabbing vest and cowboy hat ensemble at the Citrus Bowl), confirmed his son’s decision to ESPN’s Dave Wilson in a text message on December 15: “Arch is playing football at Texas next year.” The message was simple, direct, and left no room for doubt—Arch Manning would be back in burnt orange for the 2026 season, ready for his second full campaign as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the benefits of another year in college for Manning’s growth. “He’s a young man who’s gotten better as the season’s gone on, and not only physically, but mentally, maturity-wise,” Sarkisian said, as reported by ESPN. “I would think he’s going to want another year of that growth to put himself in position for hopefully a long career in the NFL. And he’s got some unfinished business of what he came here to do and what he came here to accomplish.”
Indeed, Manning’s decision to return bucks the trend of early departures seen in today’s college football landscape. He is eligible for the NFL Draft, having been out of high school for at least three years and redshirting his true freshman season after appearing in just three games. According to the NFL’s rules, players are only draft-eligible in the year after their college eligibility has ended, though underclassmen and graduates can request early entry. Manning, however, will use his remaining eligibility to further hone his skills at Texas—much to the delight of Longhorns fans everywhere.
While the on-field action was center stage, Cooper Manning’s sideline appearance became a viral sensation in its own right. Sporting a burnt orange vest and cowboy hat, Cooper drew comparisons to everyone from Tucker Carlson to John Dutton, and fans took to social media with a flurry of humorous takes. “Cooper Manning must have thought Texas was in the Arby’s Bowl,” one fan joked, while another quipped, “Cooper Manning looking like Eli Manning out in public trying to not be recognized.” The lighthearted ribbing was all in good fun, adding a dash of levity to the high-stakes atmosphere in Orlando.
Arch’s return to Texas also puts to rest any speculation about a transfer, particularly to Alabama. Throughout the bowl week, Manning was clear in his commitment to the Longhorns, focusing on the “unfinished business” referenced by Coach Sarkisian. The Longhorns, projected to be highly ranked again in 2026, will look to build on the foundation laid this season, with Manning at the helm and his family—Cooper included—cheering from the stands.
For Manning, the 2025 season was one of learning, adaptation, and flashes of brilliance. Despite not meeting the sky-high preseason expectations—Texas started as the No. 1 team and Manning as a Heisman favorite—he finished strong and showed why he carries the weight of the Manning name with such poise. The pressure of being the most scrutinized quarterback in college football didn’t seem to faze him, especially as he led Texas through a gauntlet of ranked opponents in the season’s final stretch.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season promises even more intrigue. With Manning returning, Texas is poised to be a contender once again, and the quarterback’s continued development will be one of the sport’s most closely watched storylines. NFL scouts will keep their notebooks handy, but for now, the Longhorns faithful can rest easy knowing their star signal-caller isn’t going anywhere just yet.
As the dust settles in Orlando and the curtain closes on the 2025 campaign, the Texas Longhorns can look forward to another year with Arch Manning under center. With unfinished business still on the table and a family legacy to uphold, Manning’s journey in Austin is far from over—and the college football world will be watching every step of the way.
