Why Arch Manning being clueless on Texas’ rushing column is exactly what Sarkisian wants
The quarterback’s uncertainty may actually be sign that Longhorns are finally getting more balanced
Arch Manning is entering 2026 with the kind of expectations that follow both his surname and his role as Texas’ starting quarterback, but one part of the Longhorns ’ offense remains completely out of his hands.
He doesn't know how often he will run the football. That answer might sound unusual for a quarterback who rushed 92 times for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but it also reflects what Texas hopes will be a more complete offense this fall.
“I don’t know,” Manning said when asked whether his rushing workload will decrease. “I never know. I don’t know at all.”
He then pointed to the reason he may not need to carry as much of the burden.
Adding: “But I know they’re very good running backs. If it goes the way we need it to go, then yeah, I’ll definitely run. I rather give them the ball and let them go.”
Texas wants Manning’s legs to be luxury
Manning ’s mobility remains one of his biggest strengths, but Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has made clear that the goal is not to build the offense around quarterback carries.
Instead, Sarkisian wants better balance and fewer obvious passing situations.
“The goal was that we have more balance this year,” Sarkisian said. “The goal is that we can put ourselves in more manageable situations, most notably third down, right?”
He added: “I mean, staying out of third and seven-plus third and 10-plus situations. That’s not fun for any quarterback, and that’s not fun for any offensive line.”
That is where Texas’ improved supporting cast could matter most. The Longhorns are expected to have a stronger offensive line and more depth at running back, which could reduce the number of situations where Manning has to create something himself.
Last season, Quintrevion Wisner led Texas running backs with 597 yards on 131 carries. Manning was second on the team in both rushing attempts and rushing yards while leading the team in rushing touchdowns.
Late-season improvement raises ceiling
Texas’ optimism also comes from the way Manning finished 2025. The opening stretch was uneven. Through his first five games, he threw 11 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing just under 60% of his passes.
The final seven games looked very different. Manning threw 15 touchdowns against only two interceptions and completed 65% of his passes, showing the kind of progression that has pushed him back into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
That development will be tested quickly. Texas opens the season September 5 against Texas State before a schedule that includes major matchups against Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss, LSU and Texas A&M .
Those games will put Manning back under a national spotlight. How often he runs remains unknown. But if Texas gets the balance Sarkisian wants, Manning may not need to know the answer until the play actually breaks down.
