Any coach worth their salt will tell their quarterbacks not to take unnecessary hits. But what if they come before the opening kickoff?
That's the scenario Texas quarterback Arch Manning found himself in during the Longhorns' Week 1 opener against Texas State when, running out of the tunnel, he appeared to trip over a camera operator hidden in the smoke.
Video of the incident appears to show someone reach out and slow Manning down, with little success: He took a hard tumble and was seen on top of the camera operator who caused him to trip.
The tumble didn't have a noticeable effect on his play, let alone his stat line: The early Heisman Trophy favorite had
an efficient 20-for-27 passing day for 305 yards and four touchdowns to one interception in the 59-7 victory over the Bobcats.
An attempt was made on Arch Mannings season before yesterdays game
— Barstool Longhorn (@UTBarstool) September 6, 2026
They cannot stop the inevitable pic.twitter.com/IWdEPZNItZ
Three of his touchdown passes went to incoming transfers Cam Coleman (two) and Hollywood Smothers, demonstrating how the receiver and running back already have proven themselves as weapons for Manning.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sept. 7, Manning laughed about his tumble, saying it was "a little bit of a shock" but also that it was "good to get the first hit before the game starts."
🤘 @TexasFootball QB Arch Manning made light of his pregame tunnel fall that happened on Saturday
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2026
(via @UTBarstool) pic.twitter.com/dIvjXuPl7y
Be that as it may, look for Texas to find ways to avoid unnecessary shots at its quarterback's legs in future games.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas' Arch Manning laughs off fall in tunnel run: 'Good to get the first hit'
