Texas Opens 2026 Season vs Texas State as Arch Manning Faces Make-or-Break Year
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 5
Texas Opens 2026 Season vs Texas State as Arch Manning Faces Make-or-Break Year
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 5
Summary
Texas opens its season against Texas State in a game expected to be lopsided, but the sharper focus is whether Arch Manning can take a major step forward in 2026.
Manning threw for 3,163 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, yet Texas missed the playoff after entering the year ranked No. 1.
His split was stark: 19 of his 26 touchdown passes came at home, where he completed 65% of throws and had only two interceptions.
Texas State brings back quarterback Brad Jackson after a 7-6 season; he completed 71% of passes for 3,224 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025.
Texas has a softer opener than last year's road start at Ohio State, but another meeting with the Buckeyes arrives next week, raising the stakes for an immediate Manning response.