Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning had his second 300-yard game of his college football career in a 38-7 win over the San Jose State Spartans on Saturday. With that said, the former projected top 2026 NFL draft pick didn’t have a doubter-silencing performance in Austin in Week 2.
CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford lauded Manning’s highlights but conceded that he seemed gun-shy, particularly in non-pressure situations. Crawford concluded the experience was the most important thing for Manning in the lopsided non-conference matchup.
The criticisms were noticeable, though, after a difficult 2025 debut against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 1, a 14-7 loss in Columbus.
“Delivering several early haymakers against inferior competition won't quiet doubters, but it was a get-right opportunity that Manning and the Longhorns -- for the most part -- executed with passing grades in a much-needed rebound for the Texas offense after its lackluster debut,” Crawford wrote.
“It wasn't an exemplary showing from Manning after a red zone interception and a strip-sack fumble nearly cost his team a touchdown, but 318 yards of total offense and five total scores is a step in the right direction for a player and team whose season-long goals are still ahead of them.
“At times against San Jose State, Manning appeared gun shy in a couple of spots, failing to trust his receivers at the second level in favor of a check down attempt or dump in the flats.”
Manning throwing an interception against inferior competition is not a welcome sight in Austin or around the NFL. What’s even less appetizing to scouts, Steve Sarkisian, A.J. Milwee, and Kyle Flood is a failure to execute, or really, a fear of it.
The Longhorns face the UTEP Miners and Sam Houston State Bearkats the next two weeks before a bye. SEC play starts on the road in Gainesville, Florida, against the Gators on October 4.
We’ll see if Manning has shaken any confidence issues by then. Nick Saban was worried about them on College GameDay before Texas looked good, but not great, against San Jose State. Clearly, it was for good reason.