The Texas Longhorns have been at the center of the college football conversation over the past two weeks, but not for the reason any team wants. After starting the season 4-0 with two top-25 victories, including a comeback against then-No. 1 Ohio State, the Longhorns and quarterback Arch Manning have fallen in back-to-back games against SEC opponents.
Following Texas' most recent 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators, the conversation intensified surrounding Manning, a player widely viewed as the top pick had he entered last year's NFL draft. ESPN's Pete Thamel highlighted that Texas is expected to increase the first-team reps given to redshirt freshman quarterback KJ Lacey Jr., adding that this could "signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues
to struggle."
Arch Manning shoulders blame and vows to 'let it rip'
Shortly after that surfaced, Manning spoke with reporters, and he sounded as eager to right the ship as ever. The signal-caller said he has a chip on his shoulder, admitted he hasn't put "good film on tape the past five weeks," and vowed to "be better."
"Yeah, I just told him that I fully expect myself to play better, and I haven't put good film on tape the past five weeks, and I'm going to be better," Manning said. "And I'm going to be better for my teammates, I'm going to be better for myself, and be better for the coaches. The losing's never fun, and not playing well isn't fun, but I think this team's built for adversity. I'm built for adversity, and we're going to respond. I know that.
It's hard to not have a chip on my shoulder right now. I'll tell you that. And I think I play better with it on."
Arguably the most interesting part of Manning's comments included an admission that he's been too hesitant, while vowing to "die on the hill of letting it rip."
That was quite the confident and defiant Arch Manning at the podium today, btw.
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) October 20, 2026
If Texas runs the table and reaches the Playoff, this presser will be one to remember. pic.twitter.com/c1VxL6CU8p
"I think we just got to play like we practice and let it rip and have some fun. I feel like I've been a little too hesitant, to be quite honest," he continued. "Like you said, just let it rip. I'm going to I'm going to die on the hill of I'm letting it rip."
Manning's comments and awareness of his own shortcomings in recent weeks could make a world of difference, especially with the quarterback admitting he's played too hesitantly. It'll be interesting to see whether he truly plays with a chip on his shoulder and if this confidence in airing the ball out carries over to game action.
Texas and Manning will need to see it happen immediately, as they face No. 7-ranked Ole Miss this weekend in a primetime matchup that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Arch Manning's response to benching rumors says everything about him
