Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning can officially start preparing for a personal nightmare scenario
With Arch Manning retunring to Texas, Peyton will have to make a tough choice when the Vols and Longhorns play in 2026.
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning can officially start preparing for a personal “nightmare scenario” next fall on Rocky Top.
ESPN reported on Monday night that Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is set to return for the 2026 season.
Cooper Manning, Arch’s dad and Peyton’s older brother, sent a text to ESPN’s Dave Wilson on Monday confirming Arch’s status at Texas for next year.
Tennessee’s first SEC game in 2026 will be a home game against Texas. That means Peyton will be in the uncomfortable position of watching his nephew compete against his alma mater in Neyland Stadium.
What Peyton Manning said about Arch Manning playing against Tennessee
Peyton was asked this past summer by The Sporting News’ Bill Bender who he’ll root for if/when Arch plays Tennessee.
“I haven’t gotten that far,” said Peyton. “I pull hard for my Tennessee Volunteers every single week, but I’ll be pulling hard for my nephew this year.”
At SEC Media Days in July, Arch was asked if he ever had the “real UT” debate (between Tennessee and Texas) with Peyton.
“That’s funny,” said Arch. “He’s actually been to the facility (at Texas) a few times to tour, and he’s made some inside jokes. But I think he’s pulling for me, so we don’t really argue about that. But he’s definitely a legend at Tennessee, I’ll tell you that.”
“I think we’re pretty good at every sport,” added Arch when asked why Texas should be considered the real UT. “We won the [LEARFIELD Directors] cup this year again, so we’re firing on all cylinders.”
The Vols and the Longhorns will meet in Knoxville on Sept. 26. I’m sure Peyton will be cheering hard for his nephew, which is certainly more than understandable.
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