Arch Manning Gives Bold Quote on Citrus Bowl After Matching Peyton Accomplishment

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is looking to take another step forward next season after helping the Longhorns secure a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Manning revealed his thoughts on the Citrus Bowl when informed by reporters that his uncle, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, also played in the bowl game and won MVP.

"Nothing against the Citrus Bowl, but I think he played it twice," Manning told reporters Wednesday. "I don't want to have to play in it twice."

He previously announced that he'll forgo the 2026 NFL draft and return to the Longhorns for his junior season.

Manning appears to have his sights set on a College Football Playoff appearance instead, as Texas failed to secure one of the final at-large playoff bids this season and finished at No. 13 in the final CFP rankings.

The Longhorns appeared to be a playoff contender heading into their 2025 campaign, as they owned the No. 1 spot in the first AP Top 25 poll.

They ended up dropping two of their first five games, while Manning struggled to meet expectations to open his inaugural year as a full-time starter.

Over his first three appearances, he completed 55.3 percent of his throws for 579 yards and six touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

Manning grew more comfortable both in and out of the pocket as the season continued, though. Across his next nine games, he completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,363 yards and 18 touchdowns while getting picked off a mere four times.

The 21-year-old stayed sharp against the Wolverines on Wednesday, finishing 21-of-34 for 221 yards. Manning also rushed for 155 yards and ended up scoring four total touchdowns.

With the victory over Michigan, Texas clinched its third consecutive season with at least 10 wins.