Arch Manning is helping the Texas Longhorns have a strong start to the 2026 campaign. However, the quarterback's play has garnered criticism from Colin Cowherd.

Manning is going through the senior campaign of his collegiate career, his second year as a full-time starter. Following some ups and downs in 2025, he has made strides in performing better for Texas.

Manning still has some doubters. Cowherd did a segment about the quarterback, reacting Joel Klatt's comments as he doesn't think Manning has reached his true potential as the Longhorns starter.

“Arch hasn't anointed himself to be the next rock star. I mean, Sark, his own coach, sat him on the bench for two years. Sark didn't baby him. He could have transferred. 90% of these quarterbacks were five-star transfers. He didn't transfer. He was on the bench. Texas and other schools offered him. He was a five-star high school quarterback. I mean, again, he didn't anoint himself,” Cowherd said.

“Against like top 10 teams, against top five opponents. He completes 58% of his throws. Couple touchdowns, few touchdowns. He's been underwhelming against the very good teams. ”

"Arch hasn't anointed himself to be the next rock star… He's been underwhelming against the very, very good teams."@colincowherd discusses why Arch Manning isn't meeting the lofty expecations for him at Texas pic.twitter.com/baeS4n7BuK

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 24, 2026

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What lies ahead for Arch Manning, Texas

Arch Manning and the No. 1 Texas Longhorns garnered serious traction after stunning Ohio State in a thrilling comeback win. They have the national championship as their ceiling, emphasizing the need for Manning to come through with big performances throughout the 2026 campaign.

Manning has done well in the Longhorns' first three games. He completed 60 out of 97 passes for 664 yards and seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His efforts have helped Texas jump out to a 3-0 start to the season after wins over the Texas State Bobcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, and UTSA Roadrunners.

The No. 1 Longhorns will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They gear up for a ranked contest against the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers in Week 4 as kickoff commences on Sept. 26 at 12 p.m. ET.