Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns looked like a well-oiled machine on the field for much of their 55-0 win over the Sam Houston Bearkats, but one moment from the big win is gathering attention for other reasons.
During one of his two rushing touchdowns on Saturday, Manning stood over a defender and seemed to taunt him in the end zone. The Longhorns quarterback addressed the situation after Saturday’s game, and he noted that a very special critic gave their feedback following his celebration.
Manning said that his decision to taunt came from frustration over the last few weeks. He had lackluster performances against teams like Ohio State and UTEP, and Texas fans let him hear it.
The quarterback noted that he heard boos in the stands, and a great performance against Sam Houston seemed to be the perfect way to address his feelings.
#Texas QB Arch Manning on his celebration after his rushing touchdown vs. Sam Houston State.
“It felt good to be back in the end zone. It was probably a little much, my mom was mad at me.”
Said he thought he was going to get flagged. @ontexasfootball https://t.co/KE9N8a2KIm pic.twitter.com/nFJU9Is9Ng
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 21, 2025
“Felt good to get back in the end zone,” Manning said. “It was probably a little much there. My mom was pretty mad about that. Little immature, but I think it was some built up frustration from the past two weeks.”
Who Are Arch Manning’s Parents?
Manning is the son of Cooper Manning and Ellen Heidingsfelder, and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch’s grandfather Archie also played in the NFL, and was a longtime franchise leader of the New Orleans Saints.
The Longhorns will begin their SEC conference schedule in two weeks when they take on the Florida Gators. It’s their second year in the conference after moving from the Big 12, and they’re looking to make another trip to the championship game at the end of the season.
Texas lost to Georgia in their inaugural SEC title game appearance, but they would advance to the national semifinal round of the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns, led by former quarterback Quinn Ewers, lost to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
What’s Next For Texas?
That game would be Ewers’ last as Texas’ quarterback before moving on to the NFL. Manning’s takeover this season was seen as a coronation by some, who predicted that he would contend for the Heisman trophy.
Manning has also starred in several commercials and ad campaigns, showing his potential as an NIL earner and one of the most popular players in the sport.
So far, he hasn’t been a Heisman candidate, but all is not lost. Texas is still 3-1 this season and can contend for the College Football Playoff, and Manning can lead them there. We’ll see if he can use Saturday’s performance as a stepping stone for the rest of the season – and avoid upsetting his mother in the process.
