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Arch Manning's Heisman Hopes Dashed in Red River Loss
11 Oct
Summary
- Arch Manning's Heisman chances likely ended after Red River Rivalry loss.
- Costly turnovers, including a pick-six, sealed Texas' defeat.
- Texas relinquishes No. 1 ranking following their first loss of 2026.
The Texas Longhorns are no longer the nation's top-ranked team after their recent Red River Rivalry loss. Quarterback Arch Manning's hopes for the Heisman Trophy were significantly damaged by a critical performance in the game's final quarter. Despite holding a lead entering the fourth, costly turnovers by Manning, including an interception returned for a touchdown, led to the team's first defeat of the 2026 season.
This unexpected loss reshapes the SEC landscape, creating opportunities for programs such as Alabama and Georgia. The defeat came despite Texas leading 17-10 before the final period. Manning's key mistakes included a pick-six with less than a minute remaining, occurring while the game was tied at 24-24.
While elite wide receivers are in the Heisman conversation, the award traditionally favors quarterbacks. Manning's struggles against Oklahoma, a team not expected to contend significantly this season, make his Heisman bid particularly frustrating. Texas faces a challenging schedule ahead against five ranked opponents, and even flawless play may not be enough to overcome the Heisman odds, especially with contenders like Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith excelling.
