The Texas football team and their star quarterback Arch Manning have experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes after beginning the 2026 college football season with championship aspirations. Manning’s team is now at risk of missing the College Football Playoff once again. However, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte is refusing to panic despite the mounting pressure surrounding the program.

Conte addressed the growing pressure on Longhorns football during an interview with CBS Sports.

“We all expect to win every single game,” Del Conte said. “They got good players. We got good players. Things happen within a game.”

Conte then made it clear that while expectations remain high for their team, the noise surrounding the Longhorns is louder externally than within the program itself.

“Rome is not burning. Expectations should be high. They're high for us, too. That's why you come to the University of Texas. But the noise is a lot greater outside than it is in our building, than it is on the Forty Acres.”

The Longhorns entered the season with lofty expectations, and Manning was viewed as a potential franchise quarterback for the future. Not long ago, the Texas star was the betting favorite to become the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, the team’s recent struggles have raised questions about its championship ambitions and Manning’s development.

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Texas’ downturn began with a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns then suffered another 27-24 loss against Florida. Those back-to-back losses left Texas with a 4-2 overall record and a 1-2 mark in SEC play.

Through six games, Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns while recording five interceptions. Those numbers demonstrate his ability to generate production through the air, yet his costly turnovers and inconsistent offensive execution have become significant concerns for the Longhorns.

The Longhorns now turn their attention towards their next game against the No. 7 Ole Miss. The matchup carries significant importance for Texas to end its losing streak and keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.