Steve Sarkisian evaluates Arch Manning
The gist
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Arch Manning would be praised as 'Joe Smith' for four top-10 wins.
Manning's famous surname cuts both ways, and Sarkisian now says he will evaluate everything.
How it unfolded
- Oct 10, 2026Manning threw two touchdowns and was turnover free in the first half, then threw two fourth-quarter interceptions, including one with 20 seconds left before Oklahoma's game-winning field goal, in Texas' 27-24 loss at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
- Oct 11, 2026A podcast episode debated whether Sarkisian or Manning deserves more blame after the loss, noting Manning's two fourth-quarter interceptions, including a pick-six, and that Texas went three-and-out seven times.
- Oct 12, 2026At his weekly news conference, Sarkisian said if the Manning name were off the jersey and the quarterback were 'Joe Smith,' 'we'd be praising the guy,' citing four top-10 wins in Manning's last 13 starts.