Arch Manning Talks Injury Rehab, Criticism of Struggles at Texas, 'No One's Going to Stop Me'

Texas quarterback Arch Manning didn't exactly light the world on fire in his first season as a full-time starter, but he's not backing down from the lofty expectations that have been placed on his shoulders.

Manning told Chris Low of On3.com that he doesn't mind the criticisms that came his way after a lackluster 2025 season because he's confident that better days are ahead for him.

"I'm not going to shy away from anything," Manning said. "People are allowed to say whatever they want. It doesn't really affect me. I know where I'm going and I know no one's going to stop me. So that's where I am with all that."

Manning threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also adding 399 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground to help lead the Longhorns to a 10-3 record. The team ended the year with a win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Still, the youngster didn't live up to his famous last name in the eyes of some critics, and he chose to remain in college for another year instead of entering the 2026 NFL draft.

Manning is still recovering from offseason foot surgery, but he told Low that he's progressing well. While he hasn't yet been cleared for live 11-on-11 drills, Low reported that the 21-year-old did some 7-on-7 work Tuesday and didn't throw an incompletion.

"I feel great. If we had a game right now, I could play," Manning said. "I do get antsy not being out there the whole time with the guys. It's hard for me to watch them go through the tough practices and me not be out there. So I try to do as much as I can for them to feel my presence."