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Here are the highlights from Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s media availability on Monday.
* Manning said he was fired up after Ryan Niblett’s punt return for a touchdown, calling it a moment that couldn’t have happened to a better teammate. He added that Niblett practices relentlessly and is “such a good guy,” making the score especially rewarding to see.
* Manning on why the game is slowing down for him: “I think we’re playing well as a team right now. I think we won the game in all three phases, and we’ve got to continue to build on that and use it as momentum moving forward.”
* When asked how to replicate that performance, Manning said, “I think it starts with practice and preparation. We had a really good week of practice last week. It’s almost like you want to practice every week like you’re coming off a loss, with that motivation. So we’ve got to continue to build that.”
* Manning said success on first and second down changes everything for Texas’ offense, turning stressful third-and-longs into manageable short-yardage situations. He admitted that in earlier games, the Longhorns “were living in third-and-long a lot,” which put unnecessary strain on drives. When Texas stays ahead of the chains, he said, it opens up the full playbook and gives the offense rhythm. As for practicing those scenarios, Manning said it’s difficult because quarterbacks don’t get hit in practice, but it’s all about trusting the offensive line, trusting the play call, and keeping his eyes downfield. Each week, he added, the goal is to keep building that confidence and timing.
* Manning said freshman offensive lineman Nick Brooks has been impressive up front, showing talent and poise beyond his age. He added that Brooks will continue to improve, and the key is staying connected with him as the group builds chemistry.
“He’s a guy who’s going to play hard and bring energy no matter what,” Manning said. “He might mess up a play or get beat, but he’s going to bring it the next play, which I really respect about him.”
* Manning said getting the ball out quickly against Oklahoma was crucial because of how aggressive and disruptive the Sooners are up front. He said that finding rhythm through short completions helps Texas’ playmakers get into space and builds early momentum for the offense. Manning also described how his connection with receivers has evolved, noting that the first route is only part of the play. When things break down, he said, receivers must find open grass and create second opportunities. That chemistry and awareness, Manning added, are what keep drives alive against elite defenses.
* Q: “They always talk about blocking out the outside noise. But is that realistic in your world? Can you really block it out, or do you just have to learn how to deal with it?”
Manning: “Yeah, I feel like I try to do my best in blocking out the noise — and then you get 100 text messages saying, ‘Keep blocking out the noise,’ so there must be a lot of noise,” Manning said while laughing. “But I try my best.”
Q: “Were you aware that someone called you one of the biggest flops in college football? How did you deal with that?”
Manning: “Yeah, I didn’t know that — I guess I do now,” Manning said with a smile. “Look, I wasn’t playing well, and I’m going to continue to get better. Everyone has their own opinion, and that’s what’s great about America — you get to share it. So it doesn’t bother me.”
* Manning said the key to maintaining Texas’ edge is practicing with the same urgency they had after a loss. With Kentucky coming off a bye week, he stressed the importance of treating the matchup like an SEC Championship Game. Manning added that the next step is simple — stay focused on daily improvement. He said the team must approach each practice, especially Tuesdays, as an opportunity to grow more connected and maintain momentum.
* Manning laughed when asked about his touchdown pass to Parker Livingstone, admitting that the play didn’t go as drawn up. He said Livingstone “did a hell of a job finding grass,” and he simply reacted by getting him the ball. When told that Livingstone ran the wrong route, Manning shrugged it off, saying mistakes happen and that perfection isn’t realistic. He added that he’s missed Parker on a few touchdowns this season, but they’ll connect again soon.
