Overview
- The Longhorns quarterback stumbled and fell during a fog-heavy team entrance before the season opener on Saturday, in a clip first posted by Barstool Longhorn that spread rapidly online.
- Closer review by multiple outlets found Manning likely tripped over equipment and a cameraman hidden by smoke rather than being pushed by a fan, and no serious injury was reported.
- Manning played in Texas’s 59-7 win over Texas State and produced roughly 304–305 passing yards and four touchdowns, then joked about being “thrown off” by the smoke in postgame comments.
- Broadcasters and commentators, led by Pat McAfee, pressed Texas to clear cords, camera positions and fan access in the tunnel to reduce avoidable risks to star players.
- Because Manning is a leading Heisman candidate and a top 2027 prospect, how Texas changes pregame logistics and enforces media and fan limits will be closely watched when Ohio State visits next week.