Texas quarterback Arch Manning thanks the Longhorns’ tremendous support, describing them as the foundation of Texas football and a major factor in his success.

When Arch Manning stepped onto the Forty Acres as one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent memory, expectations were already sky-high. As the grandson of Archie, nephew of Peyton and Eli, and the crown jewel of the 2023 recruiting class, Manning’s arrival at Texas came with national buzz, camera flashes, and breathless speculation.

But as his second year with the Texas Longhorns progresses, Manning is now making headlines for something beyond his cannon of an arm or quarterback IQ — his humility. In a recent press conference following spring practice, Manning took time not to talk about himself, but to give a resounding and heartfelt thank-you to the people around him.

“They’re the foundation,” Manning said, referring to the players, staff, coaches, and fanbase that make up the Texas Longhorns football program. “Everything I’ve been able to do so far — and everything I hope to do in the future — it’s all built on their backs. I’m just grateful every day to be part of this.”

Arch Manning’s evolution from a blue-chip prospect into a poised leader has been a focal point of Texas football’s transformation into a national contender. But he’s not shy about admitting that he’s not doing it alone.

“From the minute I got here, everyone welcomed me like family,” Manning said. “The fans are incredible, but it’s also the teammates who push you, the strength coaches who make sure you can take a hit, the staff that keeps things running day to day. This program is way bigger than any one guy — and that includes me.”

Manning pointed specifically to the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has not only developed quarterbacks at the college and NFL level but has fostered a culture of accountability and togetherness within the program.

“Coach Sark has been instrumental,” said Manning. “He’s challenged me to grow mentally, physically, and as a teammate. He holds all of us to a standard — but at the same time, he shows us what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

The Arch Manning experience at Texas didn’t begin with immediate stardom. In fact, the young quarterback spent much of his freshman season learning behind starter Quinn Ewers, watching from the sidelines and preparing behind the scenes. While some fans and media speculated about possible transfers or frustrations, Manning embraced the developmental process.

“I knew what I signed up for,” Manning explained. “This wasn’t about jumping into the spotlight right away. It was about learning, earning my role, and building relationships. I’ve become a better quarterback by waiting, and I’ve become a better teammate, too.”

That humility resonated with his fellow Longhorns, many of whom have praised Manning’s work ethic and attitude.

“Arch came in with all this hype, but he didn’t act like it,” said Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook II. “He worked, kept his head down, and earned our respect. He’s a real one.”

Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. echoed that sentiment.

“He’s got that name, sure, but he’s just one of the guys in the locker room,” Banks said. “He talks to everyone, lifts with us, sweats with us. We’re ride-or-die for him because he’s ride-or-die for us.”

Texas football is more than just a team — it’s a tradition, a prideful culture steeped in history and driven by one of the most passionate fanbases in the country. And Manning is fully aware of the shoes he’s stepping into.

“I grew up watching Vince Young and Colt McCoy light it up in burnt orange,” Manning said. “I remember that national title game, I remember the Rose Bowl. Texas football was always larger than life.”

Now, as the likely future leader of the Longhorn offense, Manning isn’t just wearing the jersey — he’s becoming part of the legacy.

“I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “To wear that helmet, to walk out onto that field in front of 100,000 people, it’s something special. You represent every Longhorn who came before you — and every kid out there dreaming of being one.”

One of the most consistent messages from within the Texas locker room has been about culture. Players and coaches have emphasized that the team’s recent resurgence — including a College Football Playoff berth — wasn’t just about talent. It was about buy-in.

Manning has bought in fully.

“Culture’s everything,” he said. “You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re not playing for each other, if you don’t trust each other, you’re not going far. Here, we’ve built something different. It’s real.”

Part of that connection comes from the support staff — the people who rarely get credit but are essential to every college football program.

“You’ve got trainers who are there at 5 a.m. taping ankles. Equipment guys making sure our gear’s ready. Nutritionists keeping us fueled. Video staff breaking down film late at night. These people make the program run. We’d be nothing without them,” Manning said.

Texas fans have been known for their intensity and loyalty — and Manning made sure to acknowledge that in his comments.

“They show up whether we’re up 30 or down 10,” he said. “You feel that energy in DKR. You feel it when you walk to class, when you stop at the gas station. It’s everywhere.”

Manning said he was especially moved by the support he received even when he wasn’t playing.

“I wasn’t even on the field most of my freshman year, and people would still come up, wish me luck, or say they’re proud I’m a Longhorn,” he said. “That means something. That’s family.”While Quinn Ewers remains entrenched as the starter for now, there’s growing speculation that Arch Manning’s time as QB1 could come sooner rather than later — perhaps even this fall.

Still, Manning is taking nothing for granted.

“My job is to be ready,” he said. “Whenever that moment comes — whether it’s one snap or every snap — I owe it to this team to be prepared.”

What excites him most isn’t the fame or the future NFL talk. It’s the chance to give back to a program and a community that has given him so much.

“I want to help Texas win — plain and simple,” Manning said. “Whatever that takes. Because this place, these people — they’ve believed in me. And I believe in them.”

As the press conference wrapped up, Manning turned his final comments directly to the fans and community.

“Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for making me feel like family. Thank you for believing in me. Every day I wear this jersey, I’m going to work to make y’all proud.”

It’s a sentiment that feels rare in the NIL and transfer portal era of college football — a young star acknowledging his roots, embracing his team, and prioritizing culture over clout.

In Arch Manning, Texas may have more than just a quarterback of the future — they may have the perfect ambassador for the next chapter of Longhorn football.

Teammates Reflect: “He’s One of Us”

For all his pedigree and potential, it’s perhaps the simplicity of Manning’s approach that has endeared him to those closest to the program.

“He’s one of us,” said linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. “He competes, he laughs, he messes up like the rest of us. He owns it. And he lifts guys up. You want to go to war with guys like that.”

Cornerback Malik Muhammad summed it up even more bluntly.

“Arch ain’t Hollywood. He’s Texas.”

And in many ways, that’s exactly what makes Manning’s gratitude so resonant. For all the talk about his name, his fame, and his future — he’s grounded in the present. He’s grounded in his team.

And if his words are any indication, he plans to build his legacy not on spotlight moments, but on the strength of the foundation that Texas has already given him.

The story of Arch Manning at Texas is still being written. But as chapter after chapter unfolds, one thing is becoming clear — Manning isn’t just chasing greatness. He’s honoring the support, history, and heart that make the Texas Longhorns who they are.

And in doing so, he’s becoming not just the quarterback of the future — but a true Longhorn in every sense of the word.