Texas QB Arch Manning Says He's '100%' After Foot Surgery, Reflects on Tough Season Start

Texas quarterback Arch Manning told reporters Wednesday he has fully recovered from offseason foot surgery, saying he feels "100% right now." The sophomore also opened up about his struggles during the 2023 season.

"The first half of the season, I was pissed," Manning said. "I wasn't playing well and it wasn't fun for me." He credited loosening up as the key to his later success, suggesting he performed better when he stopped putting so much pressure on himself.

Manning comes from football royalty as the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. Despite the famous name, he faced the typical challenges of a young college quarterback trying to find his rhythm.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has praised Manning's toughness, noting how the quarterback took "a lot of hits" in recent games but still showed up to every practice. "He came back Monday and he was not 100%. He was beat up but he took every rep," Sarkisian said.

The Longhorns are preparing for their first season in the SEC after leaving the Big 12, making Manning's development crucial for the team's success in the competitive new conference.