Overview
- Manning, who said Wednesday he feels 100% after January foot surgery, has been limited to 7-on-7 and individual drills this spring.
- Steve Sarkisian expects him to be fully cleared by June and does not plan to use him in Saturday’s open practice that replaces the spring game.
- Sarkisian said Manning accepted relatively modest NIL pay, which he argued helped Texas add transfers such as receiver Cam Coleman and running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers.
- He acknowledged pressing early in 2025 before a late surge to a 10-3 finish and Citrus Bowl MVP, and his coach praised how he handled heavy criticism.
- NFL evaluators cited his toughness and growth, with some reporting he likely would have been a first-round pick had he entered the 2026 draft and is tracking as a top 2027 prospect.