Overview
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, speaking through On3 analyst Chris Low on the Andy & Ari podcast, said Arch Manning is “the most underpaid quarterback in college football” and referenced a Cooper Manning text urging Texas to spend on teammates.
- No new or increased NIL deal for Manning has been reported, which turns the remarks into a public explanation of how Texas plans to direct its NIL resources.
- Manning earned $6.8 million in 2025 as the sport’s top-paid player, led Texas to a 10–3 season with 3,163 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns, and chose to return rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Newsweek highlighted a market comparison by noting that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is reportedly near $5 million for 2026.
- Yahoo Sports, echoing The Sporting News, reported Sarkisian’s view that big spends such as LSU’s reported $40 million roster rebuild show how fast NIL prices are rising.