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The Texas Longhorns entered the 2026 college football season with national championship expectations. Now, Steve Sarkisian faces one of the most challenging stretches of his coaching career. Texas has suffered consecutive 27-24 losses against Oklahoma and Florida, sending shockwaves throughout college football. Even worse, both opponents defeated Texas while sitting outside the national rankings at kickoff. The Longhorns entered the Oklahoma game ranked No. 1 nationally. Eight days later, they had fallen to No. 19. Meanwhile, quarterback Arch Manning has become the center of criticism surrounding Texas’ disappointing performances. However, blaming Manning for everything would ignore several serious problems throughout the offense. Texas currently stands at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in Southeastern Conference play. With Ole Miss coming to Austin, the Longhorns must find answers immediately. The question remains simple: Can Texas rescue its championship hopes before another disappointing loss destroys them?
What Is Wrong With Arch Manning?
Manning entered the season carrying enormous expectations because of his talent, recruiting reputation, and famous football family. However, his performance hasn’t consistently matched those expectations. Through six games, Manning has completed 106 of 166 passes for 1,295 yards. He has thrown 11 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.9 percent of his attempts. Those numbers aren’t disastrous, but they hardly resemble the production expected from a Heisman Trophy contender. Furthermore, Manning has struggled when opposing defenses pressure him. He sometimes hesitates before releasing the football, allowing defenders additional opportunities to reach him. Texas has surrendered 17 sacks through six games. Nevertheless, those sacks reflect problems with both quarterback decisions and offensive protection. Manning must recognize defensive pressure faster and understand when to abandon a developing play. His physical talent remains undeniable. His consistency, however, continues to raise questions.
Oklahoma Exposed Texas’ Biggest Weaknesses
The Red River Rivalry delivered Texas its first major disappointment of the season. Oklahoma defeated the top-ranked Longhorns 27-24 at the Cotton Bowl on October 10. However, Texas didn’t lose because Oklahoma dominated offensively. The Longhorns limited the Sooners to 238 total yards, including just 83 rushing yards. Instead, turnovers and special teams’ mistakes helped Oklahoma steal a crucial victory. Manning completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, and Jermaine Bishop Jr. for scoring passes. However, his two fourth-quarter interceptions proved extremely costly. One interception resulted in an Oklahoma defensive touchdown. The second gave the Sooners another opportunity before Tate Sandell kicked the winning 47-yard field goal. Texas possessed enough talent to win that game. Unfortunately, the Longhorns failed to protect the football when the pressure increased.
Florida Delivered Another Devastating Blow
Texas appeared ready to bounce back against Florida on October 17. The Longhorns raced to a 17-3 lead during the second quarter. Raleek Brown opened the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown run. Later, Ryan Niblett returned a punt 63 yards for another touchdown. Everything seemed to favor Texas. However, Florida responded with 24 unanswered points and completely changed the game’s momentum. The Gators controlled possession, established their running game, and frustrated the Texas offense. Meanwhile, Manning struggled to generate consistent passing production. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown.
His spectacular 62-yard completion to Emmett Mosley V helped create a late scoring opportunity. Two plays later, Manning connected with Cam Coleman for a nine-yard touchdown. That score reduced Florida’s advantage to 27-24. However, Manning lost a fumble during Texas’ final possession, ending another potential comeback. The defeat exposed an alarming pattern: Texas continues making costly mistakes during critical moments.
Steve Sarkisian Must Shoulder Some Responsibility
Manning deserves criticism for his mistakes, but Sarkisian cannot escape responsibility for Texas’ offensive struggles. The Longhorns average only 135 rushing yards per game, placing them near the bottom of the SEC. Furthermore, Texas has scored more than three offensive touchdowns in just one game this season. Those numbers should concern everyone associated with the program. Sarkisian built his reputation around creative offensive schemes and developing quarterbacks. However, opposing defenses have increasingly disrupted Texas’ offensive rhythm. The Longhorns need better protection, more consistent rushing production, and improved playcalling. Additionally, Sarkisian must create easier opportunities for Manning to establish confidence. Short passes, quick decisions, and effective play-action concepts could help stabilize the offense. Texas possesses talented receivers, including Coleman and Wingo. Nevertheless, that talent means little without consistent execution. Sarkisian must demonstrate why Texas trusts him to develop championship-caliber offenses.
Should Texas Bench Arch Manning?
Following the Florida defeat, questions emerged about Manning’s future as Texas’ starting quarterback. Some fans believe backup KJ Lacey deserves an opportunity. However, replacing Manning could create additional problems. Lacey has completed seven of eight passes for 63 yards during limited action this season. Those numbers offer little evidence that he could immediately transform the offense. Meanwhile, Manning has already demonstrated his ability to lead Texas against elite competition. Remember, the Longhorns defeated Ohio State earlier this season after overcoming a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit. Manning helped engineer that remarkable comeback. Furthermore, Sarkisian confirmed Monday that Manning remains his starting quarterback. That decision makes sense. Texas needs better quarterback play, but changing starters wouldn’t automatically repair its offensive line or rushing attack. Instead, Sarkisian should challenge Manning while continuing to develop his confidence.
Texas Has Problems Beyond Its Quarterback
The Florida loss exposed serious concerns involving Texas’ defense. Florida controlled possession for more than 38 minutes while Texas managed less than 22. Additionally, the Gators rushed for 158 yards and collected 21 first downs. Texas managed only 13 first downs. Those numbers reveal a team struggling to sustain drives and control the game’s tempo. Furthermore, Florida capitalized on missed tackles throughout its comeback. Defensive tackle Hero Kanu reported that Texas missed 19 tackles during the defeat. That lack of execution allowed Florida to extend drives and wear down the Longhorns. Meanwhile, star defensive end Colin Simmons suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida. Simmons has recorded 10.5 sacks this season and remains one of college football’s premier pass rushers. His absence would create another significant challenge for Texas. The Longhorns cannot expect Manning to overcome every defensive breakdown.
Ole Miss Presents a Must-Win Opportunity
Texas faces another difficult challenge Saturday, October 24, against seventh-ranked Ole Miss. The Rebels enter Austin with a 5-1 overall record and a 3-1 SEC mark. Furthermore, Ole Miss features a dangerous offense led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Chambliss has thrown for 1,676 yards and contributed 14 total touchdowns through six games. Running back Kewan Lacy provides another dangerous offensive weapon. Meanwhile, Texas must overcome its recent offensive inconsistencies. The Longhorns have gone three-and-out on 34.3 percent of their possessions, the SEC’s worst rate.
That statistic demonstrates how frequently Texas struggles to establish offensive momentum. Additionally, Simmons enters the matchup with a doubtful injury designation. Running back Hollywood Smothers also carries a questionable designation. Consequently, Sarkisian must prepare his team for another difficult conference battle. A victory over Ole Miss would restore confidence and strengthen Texas’ postseason résumé. Another defeat would place the Longhorns at 4-3 and make their playoff path considerably more difficult.
Can Texas Still Reach the College Football Playoff?
Despite consecutive defeats, Texas hasn’t completely lost its opportunity to reach the College Football Playoff. However, the Longhorns have little room for additional mistakes. Their victory over Ohio State provides an impressive result for the selection committee to consider. Additionally, defeating Ole Miss would give Texas another important victory against a nationally ranked opponent. Nevertheless, the Longhorns must demonstrate substantial improvement throughout their remaining schedule. A third loss wouldn’t automatically eliminate Texas from playoff consideration. However, three defeats would leave the program dependent on other contenders struggling. The SEC championship race presents another challenge. Texas already has two conference losses, while several rivals possess stronger records. Consequently, the Longhorns must approach every remaining game with urgency. They cannot afford additional fourth-quarter turnovers, inconsistent rushing performances, or defensive collapses. Most importantly, they must rediscover the confidence that helped them reach No. 1 nationally.
The Verdict: Manning Isn’t Texas’ Only Problem
Texas can still salvage its season, but the Longhorns must stop making excuses. Manning deserves criticism for his late turnovers against Oklahoma and Florida. However, he also deserves an opportunity to correct those mistakes. His arm strength, athleticism, and previous performances demonstrate his tremendous potential. Nevertheless, potential doesn’t win championships without consistent execution. Sarkisian must improve the rushing attack, strengthen pass protection, and establish a more dependable offensive identity. Meanwhile, the defense must tackle better and prevent opponents from controlling possession. Texas possesses enough talent to compete with almost anyone nationally. However, the Longhorns haven’t consistently played like a championship contender. The upcoming Ole Miss matchup represents more than another conference game.
It provides an opportunity for Manning to silence critics and restore Texas’ confidence. A victory could transform the conversation surrounding this struggling program. Another defeat would raise even more questions about Sarkisian, Manning, and Texas’ direction. My prediction: Texas can still rescue its season, but its championship margin for error has nearly disappeared. Manning must become more decisive, and Sarkisian must put him in better situations. Otherwise, a season filled with national championship expectations could end with another disappointing postseason destination. For Texas, the time for promises has passed. The Longhorns must deliver results.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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