Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning reveals his frustration with being a backup was so bad he'd vent for hours to assistant coach.

The anticipation is palpable in Austin, Texas, as the Longhorns prepare to kick off their season on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio, against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. A major reason for the hype surrounding Texas — beyond building on last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal appearance — is new full-time starting quarterback Arch Manning.

Various way-too-early 2026 NFL mock drafts have included Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the first round, which means the first-year starter for the Longhorns would have to leave school a year early for that to come to fruition.