Texas Longhorns fans held their breath on Saturday in a moment reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers’ four-snap New York Jets disaster.
A video of Texas QB Arch Manning falling in the fog just before the Longhorns' season opener against Texas State went viral over the weekend.
4Arch Manning 16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after defeating the Texas State Bobcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
The post, which now has over 600k views on X, was captioned: "An attempt was made on Arch Manning's season before yesterday's game."
The clip shows Manning and his teammates emerging onto the field through a thick cloud of smoke.
Just as a spectator to the right reaches out, Manning trips and hits the turf face-down before quickly scrambling back to his feet.
While initial social media panic suggested a fan pulled him down, closer inspection points to the fan actually attempting to catch Manning or warn him before he tripped over equipment and a cameraman on the ground in the low visibility.
Any concern over his health was quickly dashed as Manning produced an elite performance against Texas State.
Manning threw for 304 yards with four touchdowns and an interception as the Longhorns dismantled the Bobcats 59-7.
After the game, Manning didn't speak about the pre-game fall, instead opting to praise his team.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was pleased with what his quarterback accomplished in the win, despite the interception.
"Like anything, he’s human," Sarkisian said.
"There’s a couple misreads, but geez, you know, he’s over 300 yards, four touchdowns, managed the game really well, and was very efficient."
4Fans initially speculating the fan caused him to trip, but it appeared there was a piece of equipment on the floor
4Arch Manning fell face-first on his way out to the field
Minus the entrance mishap, Manning's 2026 campaign couldn't have started any better, further cementing his place as college football's premier quarterback.
Manning has been touted to be the first overall pick by the time the 2027 NFL draft rolls around, with some teams being told to 'tank' to land him.
The nephew ofNFLgreats Eli and Peyton remains one of the most-hyped players in college football history.
Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow offered a crucial piece of advice to Manning ahead of what is expected to be his final college season.
4Arch Manning 16 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass in the second quarter against the Texas State Bobcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
"I think it’s so important that you get rid of the noise around you," Tebow said on the SEC Network.
"Just focus on playing your game. Because when he does that, I really think he’ll be one of the best."
"You can’t control who speaks about you, but you can control who speaks into you, and I really believe for Arch… and those have to be the voices that pour into him."