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December 16, 2025 By  NFL, Texas Longhorns

“He Has No Choice”: Fans React As Arch Manning’s Texas Comeback Becomes Official Amid NFL Draft Chatter

Arch Manning has been among the most controversial players in the 2025 college football season, while he was crowned as the best player, a Heisman trophy finalist, and a potential No.1 NFL draft pick in the preseason, before he even played a season as a starter.

While many analysts, like Paul Finebaum, declared Manning to be the best quarterback the game would see in the last few decades, the Texas QB took some time before he found his rhythm and was seen struggling in the first half of the season.

Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Even though Arch’s grandad, Archie Manning, made it clear at the start of the season that the Texas QB will be coming back for another year after the 2025 season, Arch wasn’t as blunt about it and said he’s taking things day by day, leaving fans confused about what his decision would be at the end of the season.

As Texas ends the year with an overall record of 9-3, Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, revealed that his son’s return to Texas in 2026 is official and confirmed.

“Lmao. He has no choice. He’s been inconsistent all year. And when he’s looked bad, he’s looked like ass water.” one fan bluntly reacted.

“Yeah…..he pretty much had no choice. His performance this season was mostly slightly above average. Him going to the NFL after this season and being a 1st round pick was a gamble at best. Even his last name wasn’t going to guarantee him being selected in the 1st round.” another fan agreed.

“Breaking: “The word “Breaking” is used far too often. I know he looked good the 2nd half of the season but did we really expect him to not return?” another fan questioned.

“This is the right move. Come back next year, improve the fundamentals, develop more as a player and person, and be the Heisman caliber player you were touted to be.” another fan shared their thoughts.

“If he entered the Transfer Portal, he would get almost every college wanting to sign him. I bet the NIL for him to stay at Texas for one year is enormous. More than a rookie NFL QB would get in year one. Probably at least $10M.” another fan highlighted.

“I remember they killed his grandfather on social media for saying he was staying just for him to come out months later and say he’s returning lol the internet is funny.” another fan recalled.

Read more – Steve Sarkisian Minces No Words While Dissing Desmond Howard for Stirring NFL Rumors for Texas HC

Steve Sarkisian Weighs In on Arch Manning’s Texas Comeback News

After hearing the news that Texas won’t be playing in the Playoffs this year, Sarkisian was asked if he knows about Manning’s plans on whether he plans on coming back to college or is planning to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Longhorns head coach shared that he hasn’t asked his quarterback that yet, but should do it soon enough, now that Sarkisian has gotten his answer, he couldn’t help but express his admiration and excitement about Manning.

Sarkisian said that Manning is a young man who’s gotten better as the season progressed not just physically but also mentally.

“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.” Sarkisian said.

Manning is currently preparing to take Michigan in a thrilling non-conference showdown on December 31st.

Read more – Steve Sarkisian Opens Up About Texas’ “Frustrating” Loss Against Georgia As Road to CFP Becomes Tougher

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About Prasen Singh

Prasen is a sports writer at Gridiron Heroics. While he has a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, he couldn't resist his love for football that led him to explore the NFL landscape. Prasen has three years of experience writing articles. For him, providing historical angles relevant to the story is important, as gives the reader useful information and help them relate it to the present. He thrives to keep the content unique rather than just a bland reporting of facts. Fact-checking and researching relevant information as per the headline and context is of utmost importance to him. Prasen hates clickbait or misleading the reader.

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