The 2025 college football season is drawing to a close, but the excitement for the future is already building. With the Heisman Trophy awarded to Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the spotlight now shifts to the next big star in the making: Arch Manning. Manning, the Texas Longhorns quarterback, is already generating buzz for the 2026 Heisman Trophy, despite his first season as a starter not meeting the high expectations set for him. But here's where it gets interesting. Manning's early success and potential for growth have some predicting he could be a top contender for the prestigious award next year. And this is the part most people miss: Manning's journey to the Heisman Trophy is not without precedent. The Longhorns quarterback received significant preseason hype for the 2025 season, only to face early challenges due to the weight of those expectations. Yet, he persevered, showcasing his talent and becoming a standout performer in the SEC. Now, with the 2026 season on the horizon, the question arises: will Manning's hype train reach new heights, or will it face similar early challenges? The answer lies in the development of a quarterback who has already shown promise and the potential to become a Heisman Trophy favorite.
