However, after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida, where he was instrumental in both games, talk began circulating that he might lose his starting position. The Texas Longhorns' recent struggles have put pressure on their quarterback, with fans questioning his performance.

Manning responded strongly by scoring the game-winning touchdown in Saturday night's 34-27 victory over No. 7 Ole Miss, silencing some of his critics.

The pressure to perform was mounting for Arch Manning as he struggled to find his footing in the Texas offense. In response, backup quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. saw an increase in first-team reps during practice, a clear indication that change could be on the horizon if Manning didn't improve.

Sarkisian's warning to Manning had come through loud and clear: unless he stepped up his game, a change would be made. The stakes were high, and it was taking its toll on the young quarterback.

The aftermath of the loss to Florida saw Manning retreat to his parents' house for some much-needed support. It was a difficult day, one that left him close to tears as he poured out his emotions to his family.

Manning's performance in Saturday's game against Texas was marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle. He played nearly the entire game, only leaving the field briefly for a mandatory medical check.

Texas's game was marred by injuries as star left tackle Trevor Goosby suffered a leg injury in the first half and had to be carted off the field.

Wide receiver Cam Coleman also departed the game in the second half due to a shoulder issue.

The Longhorns' victory keeps them at 5-2, but a loss would have put them on the cusp of missing the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kind-being-disregarded-arch-manning-160502207.html

The losses were not limited to these top-ranked teams, however. No. 6 Indiana and No. 13 Alabama managed to eke out narrow victories, avoiding what could have been devastating upsets. The results of Week 8 have left the College Football Playoff and conference championship races in a state of flux.

This season's unpredictable nature has also led to a rare occurrence: only three undefeated teams remain in major college football. No. 1 Miami, No. 9 UCLA, and No. 10 Utah are now the last remaining unbeaten teams, a feat that has not been achieved since 1977. On that occasion, Texas, Louisiana Tech, and Colgate all maintained perfect records through October 24.

The Big 12 conference is facing significant challenges after Week 8's upsets, which have left its playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. The league had been hoping to send three teams to the College Football Playoff, but the losses suffered in Week 8 have diminished that possibility. Instead, the bottom half of the field will be determined on the field.

No. 2 BYU's loss was particularly notable, as it struggled to maintain momentum after its stunning upset over Notre Dame a week prior. The Cougars ultimately fell 39-31 against UCF in double overtime. Meanwhile, No. 8 Texas Tech suffered a similar fate at the hands of Cincinnati, losing 37-24 and further muddying the waters in the Big 12 conference.

The Big 12 conference's momentum is rapidly fading after a series of upsets in Week 8. With only two teams likely to make it into the top 12 rankings on Sunday, the league's early lead has been squandered.

Meanwhile, Miami is capitalizing on the struggles of its top competitors. The Hurricanes have a relatively easy schedule in the ACC, but they continue to deliver impressive performances against overmatched opponents. Their dominance was evident once again this week as they defeated Pittsburgh 52-23.

Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah threw for an impressive 387 yards and four touchdowns, while wide receiver Malachi Toney stole the show with 194 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 catches. Miami's strong performance earned them their first AP No. 1 ranking since 2002.

The Trojans' high expectations have been officially derailed after a disappointing loss to Wisconsin. USC struggled to move the ball, managing a mere -17 yards in rushing while committing two early interceptions that set the tone for the game.

The Texas offense struggled to find its footing for much of the game, but in a crucial stretch down the stretch, coach Steve Sarkisian made a conscious decision to focus on the running game. This shift in strategy paid off as Raleek Brown broke through for significant gains, ultimately setting up a 1-yard touchdown run from quarterback Arch Manning. The Texas running backs also benefited from Brown's efforts, finishing with a total of 200 yards.

Brown's impressive performance was particularly notable given that Hollywood Smothers was not available to play. Despite this setback, the Texas running game managed to thrive, with Brown leading the way on 23 carries for 157 yards. This success on the ground provided a much-needed boost for the team, which had been struggling to move the ball throughout the contest.

The loss of momentum in the Big 12 continued as Baylor fell to Kansas in a stunning upset. This defeat marked the end of a 14-game winning streak that the Bears had enjoyed over the Jayhawks dating back to 2007. Even during difficult seasons, Baylor had managed to emerge victorious against its rival from Kansas.

The manner in which the game slipped away from Baylor was particularly galling for coach Dave Aranda's team. After building a 21-10 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Bears' offense collapsed, allowing Kansas to stage a remarkable comeback. The Jayhawks ultimately emerged victorious by a score of 25-24, with the Bears struggling to contain their opponents on both sides of the ball.

Baylor allowed over 200 yards of combined passing and rushing yardage, which proved to be too much for the team to overcome. This loss will likely prove to be a decisive blow to Aranda's tenure as head coach, given that he had previously managed to beat Kansas despite his team's struggles in recent years. The Bears have not fired a coach mid-season since 2007.

The Bears' inability to capitalize on their early lead and subsequent collapse has left many questioning the wisdom of sticking with Aranda at this juncture. With no clear path forward for the team, it remains unclear whether Baylor will opt to make a change in leadership or continue down the current path.

The Arizona Wildcats have been quietly building momentum since their narrow loss to BYU in Week 2. Their 39-3 thrashing of Iowa State has propelled them onto the periphery of the Big 12 title race.

Quarterback Noah Fifita is playing some of his best football this season, recording his fifth consecutive game with at least 275 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats' defense has also been impressive, limiting Iowa State's highly-regarded rushing attack to just 1.7 yards per carry.

Arizona's performance has gone largely under the radar, but they deserve more recognition than their current ranking of No. 25 in the AP Top 25 poll. A challenging road trip to No. 8 Texas Tech next week will likely put them firmly on the national stage.

The Oregon Ducks have been a disappointment this season, plummeting from preseason No. 2 to a 4-3 record after a shocking 21-10 loss to Illinois. While losses to Oklahoma State and UCLA can be explained by their tough schedules, the defeat at the hands of the Illini is where things started to go seriously wrong.

The Ducks' struggles continued in this game, with several receivers missing due to injury and an inability to generate any real passing offense - averaging just 6.0 yards per pass attempt. Meanwhile, Illinois was able to rush for 225 yards against Oregon's highly-touted rush defense.

The collapse of Oregon's season has joined those of Penn State and LSU last year as some of the most disappointing in the College Football Playoff era, considering the significant investment made by the program.

Meanwhile, Shane Beamer's South Carolina Gamecocks are enjoying a remarkable turnaround after starting the season poorly. They have now secured two consecutive ranked wins and could potentially claim three if not for their narrow one-point loss to Kentucky earlier this year.

In a thrilling 27-24 upset against No. 11 Tennessee as time expired, South Carolina's quarterback LaNorris Sellers played a crucial role. He threw for 210 yards, rushed for 96 yards, and scored three touchdowns in total, while the defense came up big in critical moments, including a late sack from defensive end Dylan Stewart.

The Gamecocks' resurgence has left them with only one remaining matchup against an AP Top 25 opponent, which is No. 5 Georgia on November 21. This presents an opportunity for South Carolina to secure eight wins or more this season.

James Madison's bid to contend for the College Football Playoff spot from the Group of Six has been hindered by a historic Sun Belt power. The Dukes suffered a 34-31 overtime loss to Appalachian State, their arch-rivals, which dropped them to 7-1 and complicated their pursuit of the Sun Belt title game.

The Dukes' struggles on the ground were evident in their game against Appalachian State, where they managed only 92 yards rushing on 30 carries. Despite potentially retaking control of the Sun Belt race, James Madison's schedule remains a concern compared to other Group of Six contenders.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers' impressive victory over No. 15 Iowa has propelled them into the spotlight, with a game-winning field goal securing their 13-10 win. This significant triumph marks a notable achievement for the team, as it is only the second time since 2014 that they have beaten both Iowa and Michigan in the same season.

The Gophers' current record of 5-2 places them among the top contenders, but their upcoming schedule poses a challenge with tough matchups against No. 6 Indiana and No. 9 UCLA on the horizon. Despite these daunting prospects, PJ Fleck's team is well-positioned for success, having navigated a demanding stretch so far this season.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-winners-losers-week-8-scores-results/

This comes after several high-profile upsets and surprising losses suffered by powerhouse teams such as Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan. These setbacks have left many wondering if these top-ranked programs are truly deserving of their lofty rankings.

Meanwhile, the likes of Texas and Arch Manning have been making waves with impressive victories over strong opponents like Ole Miss. The Gamecocks at South Carolina also pulled off an upset against Tennessee in a game where expectations were low.

The strength-of-schedule criteria has become increasingly important as the CFP selection committee prepares to choose its 12-team playoff contenders. But now, it seems that some of these conferences are looking for special treatment to mitigate the impact of their own teams' losses.

The perception that some conferences are receiving preferential treatment in college football scheduling has been a contentious issue for several years. The Big Ten and SEC, often accused of being power-hungry, have been criticized for their handling of conference schedules.

A closer examination of the current situation reveals a system where certain teams are given more favorable matchups than others. This is particularly evident when looking at the selection process for the College Football Playoff (CFP) poll rankings.

Notre Dame's unique status as an independent team with access to the CFP, regardless of their conference affiliation, has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The Irish are eligible for a spot in the playoff if they are ranked among the top 12 teams in the final CFP poll.

The Big Ten and SEC's dominance in college football scheduling has led some to accuse them of gaming the system to ensure their own teams' success. This perception is further fueled by the fact that these conferences often get to choose their opponents, resulting in a predictable outcome for many games.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee has been criticized for its perceived bias towards Power Five conferences, particularly the SEC and Big Ten. This perception is fueled by the fact that these conferences often get to choose their opponents, resulting in a predictable outcome for many games.

A closer look at the CFP's voting philosophy reveals that wins are the primary factor in determining playoff teams. Since the inception of the CFP in 2014, this has been the consistent approach, and it is unlikely to change even with the introduction of a new 12-team format.

The upcoming season presents an opportunity for the selection committee to potentially shake things up by deviating from its traditional voting methods. However, given that the committee's philosophy has remained unchanged over the years, it seems unlikely that they will suddenly adopt a new approach for the final season of the 12-team format.

In fact, some might argue that the committee should give the Power Five conferences a taste of their own medicine by not automatically favoring them. This could be seen as a way to level the playing field and make the playoff process more competitive.

The SEC and Big Ten's nonconference scheduling agreement is also set to be implemented, which will reportedly come at a standalone cost to television partners. This move aims to further emphasize the importance of strength of schedule in determining playoff teams.

The SEC and Big Ten have long been accused of dominating college football, and now it seems they're taking control of the postseason as well. In a surprising move, these two power conferences are pushing for an expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 teams.

This expansion would give the SEC and Big Ten even more influence over the playoff selection process, potentially cementing their status as the top dogs in college football. The rest of the conferences might see this as a way to ensure they're represented in the playoffs, but it's clear that the SEC and Big Ten are calling the shots.

The irony here is that these two conferences have been accused of rigging the system for themselves, and now they're taking steps to further solidify their power. By expanding the CFP, they'll be able to control the narrative and dictate who gets into the playoffs.

It remains to be seen whether this move will ultimately benefit or hurt college football as a whole, but one thing is certain: the SEC and Big Ten are driving the bus when it comes to the sport's postseason.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sec-big-ten-rigged-college-090717455.html

Coach Steve Sarkisian hinted at this possibility in June when he said that it wouldn't surprise him if Manning decided to stay for a fifth year. This statement came after uncle Eli Manning shared his thoughts with Colin Cowherd, highlighting the value of the college experience beyond just preparing for the NFL.

While there has been no official announcement from Arch Manning or Texas, the possibility raises an intriguing question: could another season in college transform him into a top-five pick in the 2028 NFL Draft?

Manning's age and collegiate experience are being weighed against his performance on the field. He will turn 23 in the spring and has made just 20 career starts so far.

Despite these limitations, Manning's physical talent is not considered to be an issue. His ability to throw with touch, drive, and accuracy downfield has been evident, particularly on throws traveling at least 20 yards.

Manning's impressive deep-ball throwing skills have been showcased in his five games this season, earning him a 93.1 PFF passing grade on such attempts.

The Texas quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but inconsistencies in his game have raised concerns about his potential as a top-five NFL draft pick.

Manning's struggles become more apparent when he doesn't have time to read the defense, leading to hurried throws and compromised accuracy.

When given clean pockets, Manning can look like one of the best players on the field, showcasing his impressive skills with big-time throws. His 41-yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman was a highlight-reel moment in Saturday's game against Oklahoma.

The throw to Coleman was not an isolated incident, as Manning also delivered a precise and powerful pass to Ryan Wingo later in the game. The combination of arm strength and accuracy on display was impressive, but it was overshadowed by two critical interceptions in the fourth quarter.

These mistakes have been a recurring theme for Manning this season, and they are part of why some experts believe he is not yet a first-round pick. Despite his potential, there are concerns about his decision-making under pressure.

However, there is hope that returning to school for another year could help Manning address these issues and reach his full potential as a quarterback. The trend of quarterbacks improving significantly in their fifth season suggests that time could be on his side.

Jayden Daniels' experience at LSU serves as an example of how a quarterback can make significant gains in their final season, with notable improvements in passing grade, big-time throw rate, and pressure-to-sack rate.

The ability of a quarterback to improve significantly in their final season has been well-documented. However, it is one thing for a player to excel in college and quite another to translate that success into the NFL. Cam Ward's journey from Washington State to Miami serves as an example.

During his time at Washington State in 2023, Ward showcased a strong arm and ability to create outside of the pocket. Nevertheless, he also demonstrated some concerning tendencies, such as holding onto the ball for too long and forcing unnecessary throws.

When Ward transferred to Miami for his fifth season, he showed significant improvement in several key areas. His passing grade jumped from 77.5 to 91.7, while his pressure-to-sack rate improved by nine percentage points. This marked a notable shift in his game.

Ward's First-Round Readiness Score (FRED) also saw a substantial increase during this season, rising from 6.8 to 49.3. For context, a score of 50 represents the average first-round resume. Ward's impressive performance ultimately led to him being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2025.

However, Ward's NFL career has not been without its challenges. Despite his strong college season, he has struggled in the pros. Through 22 starts, Ward ranks tied for 51st in EPA per dropback among first-round quarterbacks who had as many starts in their first three seasons. His yards per attempt also lag behind his peers.

Ward's experience highlights that a successful college season does not guarantee success in the NFL. Bo Nix is another example of this phenomenon, having entered his fifth season with 47 starts and gone on to be selected 12th overall in 2024. Despite some encouraging early performances, he has struggled to begin 2026.

Arch Manning's decision to return to Texas for another season could be a crucial factor in determining his standing among top prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Despite some encouraging early performances, he has struggled to begin 2026, raising questions about his readiness for the professional level.

In recent years, several high-profile quarterbacks have seen their draft stock rise or fall significantly after deciding to return to college for additional seasons.

Garrett Nussmeier's story serves as a cautionary tale, having thrown over 4,000 yards in 2024 but ultimately seeing his fifth season at LSU marred by injuries and inconsistent play.

His once-promising NFL prospects were derailed, resulting in him being selected in the seventh round of the draft, a stark contrast to the first-round expectations that initially surrounded him.

Similarly, Spencer Rattler's experience highlights the challenges faced by quarterbacks with exceptional arm talent but struggling with intangibles essential for franchise QBs.

Arch Manning still has a lot to prove before entering the NFL Draft, despite his impressive arm talent. With just 20 starts under his belt, there is ample room for development and growth. Historical examples suggest that quarterbacks can continue to improve beyond their college years, but it's essential to distinguish between getting better and becoming truly exceptional.

The ability to make spectacular throws is not enough; Manning must demonstrate the intangibles required of a top quarterback prospect. According to former NFL quarterback Danny Kanell, making boring yet correct decisions accounts for 90% of playing quarterback effectively. The remaining 10% is comprised of exceptional plays that set apart elite quarterbacks.

Kanell notes that while Arch has made some impressive plays, he struggles with the mundane aspects of quarterbacking. As a second-year starter at Texas, Manning should be proficient in his team's system and able to execute consistently. With a talented supporting cast, including top receiver Cam Coleman, expectations are high for Manning's performance this season.

However, despite these opportunities, Manning has yet to deliver at an elite level. His struggles with routine decisions and consistent execution have raised questions about his long-term prospects as an NFL quarterback. It remains to be seen whether he will put it all together over the next two months or if additional starts are necessary for evaluators to assess his true abilities.

The possibility of Arch Manning returning to Texas in 2027 has been floated, potentially giving him another chance to prove himself and address some of these concerns. More starts could provide valuable evidence of his growth and development as a quarterback. Alternatively, it may simply confirm what evaluators already suspect about his capabilities.

Another season or so could be just what Manning needs to demonstrate that he is more than just an exciting prospect with impressive arm talent. It's possible that he will surprise everyone and establish himself as one of the top players in the draft class. However, this outcome remains uncertain until further evidence is available.

Ultimately, Arch Manning's journey towards becoming a top NFL Draft pick will depend on his ability to consistently execute at a high level and demonstrate the intangibles required of a franchise quarterback.

If Arch Manning decides to return to Texas for the 2027 season, it's likely that he'll be giving it another shot after this year. The historical trend suggests that his age and experience won't hinder his chances of becoming a top-five NFL Draft pick.

A repeat performance would allow him to build on his existing skills and turn occasional brilliance into consistent excellence.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/arch-manning-return-to-texas-2027-nfl-draft-decision/

For four weeks, the Longhorns' inconsistent play had yielded a 4-0 record and the top national ranking, including a dramatic win against Ohio State. However, Oklahoma exposed all of Texas's flaws in this game, forcing them to confront their mistakes head-on. The Sooners were initially expected to struggle on offense, but they managed to capitalize on the Longhorns' errors.

Texas handed Oklahoma a first-half touchdown when a blocked punt in the end zone resulted in a score for the Sooners. In the second half, an errant pass by Arch Manning was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, further contributing to the Longhorns' woes. The defense also struggled to contain Oklahoma's offense, which scored its first touchdown of the game after several drives were extended due to penalties.

Oklahoma confused Texas with an apparent fake-punt attempt that forced them to burn a timeout. However, instead of punting, the Sooners notched a 53-yard field goal that proved crucial in the closing minutes of the game. This was another mistake by the Longhorns' coaching staff and special teams unit, which has been struggling with consistency throughout the season.

The loss to Oklahoma exposed several areas where Texas needs to improve if it is to remain competitive in the Big 12 Conference. The team will need to work on its special teams play, defense, and overall execution if it hopes to bounce back from this setback and continue its winning streak.

The Longhorns' inconsistency was once again exposed as they struggled to maintain their momentum against a lesser opponent. This time, it was Oklahoma that capitalized on Texas's mistakes, handing them a tough defeat.

Texas's inability to play four complete quarters has become a recurring theme this season, and Saturday's game was no exception. Despite surviving against an inconsistent Tennessee team the previous week, they faltered against the Sooners.

The loss is a setback for the Longhorns, who had been on a winning streak prior to this game. To bounce back from this defeat, they will need to work on their special teams play and overall execution.

Texas's offseason investment in top transfer portal players has yet to yield the desired results. The team spent millions of dollars to bring in talent such as Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown, Melvin Siani, Trevor Goosby, and Ryan Wingo.

The lack of cohesion among these new recruits is evident, and it's clear that more work needs to be done to integrate them into the team.

The Texas Longhorns' offense has been a mixed bag this season, but it's clear that they have the potential to be one of the top units in the SEC. Despite struggling against Oklahoma, Wingo believes that the playbook is not too complicated for his team and that they can handle it.

However, the offense needs to work on being more consistent if they want to reach their full potential. Sarkisian has made an effort to simplify things for his players, but so far, it hasn't paid off in big games like Red River.

Manning's performance against Oklahoma was a microcosm of his inconsistent play over the past two years as a starter. While he had some bright moments with three huge touchdowns, his two interceptions proved costly and ultimately hurt Texas's chances.

The running game has been another area where Texas has struggled to make an impact in big games. Despite its importance to Sarkisian's team, it failed to materialize when it mattered most against Oklahoma.

One of the few bright spots for Texas was freshman running back Derrek Cooper, who showed flashes of brilliance on the final drive of the first half with 41 yards rushing and setting up a field goal. However, his opportunities were limited after that, with only two more carries for the rest of the game.

The Texas Longhorns' head coach, Sarkisian, faced questions about his playcalling role after the team's disappointing loss to Oklahoma. He was asked whether he would reevaluate his responsibilities in light of the game's issues.

Sarkisian also drew attention for not holding accountable some members of his staff, particularly special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, who has allowed two touchdowns in consecutive games. This lack of accountability is notable given that only three assistants from Sarkisian's initial staff at Alabama remain in their roles: Banks, offensive line coach Kyle Flood, and quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee.

The loss to Oklahoma will likely cost Texas its No. 1 ranking, and the team could fall several spots as a result. The Longhorns are set to face five consecutive ranked opponents, starting immediately, which means there's little time for self-reflection or assessment.

In his post-game press conference, quarterback Manning acknowledged that the team needs to improve, stating "We have to figure out how to be better."

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/texas-flaws-oklahoma-exposed-red-river/