Arch Manning draws criticism after offseason foot surgery and a “Little Chubby” comment
Manning and the Longhorns will open the season at home against Texas State on September 5
College football is officially back this weekend with Week 0 featuring eight games on Saturday, though the broader slate expands next week when powerhouses take the field, including reigning champions Indiana, early favorites Ohio State , and the Texas Longhorns anchored by Arch Manning , widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft .
Texas enters the preseason ranked fifth in the AP poll, and while Manning stands among the premier Heisman Trophy favorites , navigating the schedule will be a grueling test. Out of their 12 regular-season games, the Longhorns will square off against seven opponents currently ranked inside the AP Top 25 .
Following their opening matchup against Texas State , the schedule features a marquee home showdown against Ohio State , a hostile road trip to Tennessee , the annual Red River Rivalry clash against Oklahoma in Dallas, home dates with Florida and Ole Miss , and brutal late-season away battles versus LSU and Texas A&M .
Arch Manning Addresses Weight Fluctuations
With soaring expectations in Austin as the program chases its first national title since 2005 , every word and movement from the Texas quarterback instantly sparks a national media frenzy, making his recent candid remarks about his physical transformation a major talking point.
Back at the Manning Passing Academy in late June, Manning weighed approximately 235 pounds after bulking up during his spring rehabilitation. However, he trimmed down over the summer to regain his trademark mobility ahead of the fall, currently operating at around 220 pounds .
"I was a little chubby," Manning admitted candidly this week. That weight fluctuation stemmed back to January when he underwent a minor foot surgery , a post-procedure recovery that temporarily restricted his movement and limited his conditioning routine.
While such shifts are completely standard for injured athletes, Manning explained that he initially wanted to test how carrying extra mass would feel on the gridiron, though he ultimately realized the added bulk made his rushing mobility much more difficult.
Despite minor offseason hurdles, Manning's stellar production across his first full campaign as the undisputed starter speaks volumes: he racked up 3,163 passing yards, 36 total touchdowns (including 10 rushing scores), a 61.4% completion percentage, and just seven interceptions.
