
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t just praise Arch Manning after Saturday’s win – he used the quarterback’s breakout as a teaching moment for his entire roster.
Sarkisian admitted Manning looked “looser” and “freer” in Week 4, calling it the “best version” of the young signal-caller so far. His teammates agreed, pointing to the confidence in Manning’s body language and the spark he brought with his dual-threat ability.
But Sarkisian stressed that the performance was about more than just one player. He warned that pressing too hard rarely leads to peak play, and reminded his squad that composure under pressure will be key if the Longhorns want to climb back up the SEC standings.
Arch’s change has been reflected in the team
Manning’s sudden shift in demeanor has given Texas fans plenty of hope. The highly touted quarterback looked more comfortable than ever, using both his arm and his legs to keep defenses guessing.
Teammates said the energy he brought lifted the entire offense, sparking a confidence that had been missing in recent weeks. Sarkisian’s comments doubled as a reminder that his roster is still young and developing.
Texas is going to need all of its newfound confidence
The challenge for Texas is to harness that “looser, freer” energy without letting the pressure of SEC play weigh them down. That balance could be the difference between a mid-tier finish and a serious climb up the rankings.
With Florida looming in Week 6, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Gators represent a chance for Texas to prove that Manning’s breakout performance wasn’t a one-off. If the Longhorns can replicate the calm-but-confident approach they showed in Week 4, Sarkisian’s squad might just turn this season into something special.
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