Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning confirms that he’s the real 2027 QB1 in thrashing of Michigan Wolverines in Citrus Bowl
Arch Manning’s dual threat skills showcase why he’s the top QB for the 2027 NFL Draft and that he can win a championship for Texas
Arch Manning got off to a slow start in 2025, but he reminded everyone that he is the real deal in the Texas Longhorns’ dominant victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Manning was largely shut down against Ohio State, then struggled with slow starts against San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston State in September. However, since then, he’s slowly but surely been growing into the obvious QB1 for the 2027 NFL Draft.
His phenomenal four-touchdown showing against Michigan was just the icing on the cake of his incredible 2025 college football season. Texas fans should enter 2026 with confidence, knowing that they have the best quarterback in the country returning to their team.
Arch Manning passing and running clinic reminds everyone he’s QB1 in 2027
Manning had strung together a handful of balanced, dominant showings already this season against teams like Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. Unfortunately, he had also struggled against Florida and Georgia. Which Manning would show up against Michigan to finish the 2025 college football season? Manning made sure that wasn’t a question for long.
He started fast, leading Texas to a quick 50-yard scoring drive. Things stalled out just a bit after that, but as soon as the second quarter hit, Manning was firing on all cylinders. He led Texas on back-to-back touchdown drives of 74+ yards in the second quarter alone as he connected with several wide receivers early.
Then, as the game wore on, he settled into the pocket and showed off his ridiculous arm talent (for example, on his beautiful 30-yard touchdown to Kaliq Lockett in the fourth quarter in the post below). It’s that incredible natural arm talent that’s been on full display in November and December that makes him the easy QB1 overall candidate for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Arch Manning’s dual-threat skill set could lead Texas to 2026 championship
His immense arm talent was impressive enough throughout the thrashing of Michigan. Still, it was his underrated speed and athleticism that truly took the Texas Longhorns’ offense to a whole different level.
Manning finished the Citrus Bowl with nine carries for 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including his wild 60-yard touchdown that essentially put the game away in the fourth quarter.
Manning might not outrun entire defenses with ease for 60 yards at the NFL level. Still, that dual-threat ability and improving pass consistency make for a deadly combination that certainly makes him the best returning quarterback in college football for next season. If Texas runs it back with the vast majority of its top-tier talents (like Colin Simmons at EDGE), then Manning could very well lead the Longhorns to a championship in 2026.
Fans and media need to remember that this was still just Manning’s first full season as a starter in college. If Steve Sarkisian and his staff can help Manning take another step forward from his top 20 power conference pass efficiency, 400+ yards rushing in 2026, there’s no reason why he couldn’t live up to his last name. He’s still scratching the surface of his potential. His unbelievable performance against Michigan was just a preview of what’s still to come.
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