Michael Taaffe talks relationship with Arch Manning: 'One of my best friends'

During Texas’ 2025 season, two players wore No. 16 – one on offense and the other on defense. Not only did they both play important roles on the field, but they’re also close friends away from the gridiron.

Arch Manning entered the 2025 season with high expectations. While it was an up-and-down go, he ended the year on a high note as Texas finished 9-3. On the defensive side, Michael Taaffe was a central part of the operation, ranking second on the roster in tackles.

Off the field, Taaffe said he and Manning remain close. But he also got to see how his quarterback treats others, which is what stood out the most.

“One of my best friends,” Taaffe told On3 via Zoom this week on behalf of Allstate. “He’s always encouraging me to get better and I’m always encouraging him to never stop. He’s a really consistent guy, he’s a really thoughtful guy, he’s always caring, he’s always doing things above and beyond himself.”

Taaffe spoke with On3 after winning the Wuerrfel Trophy, the premier award for community service. He notably worked with Texas Against Fentanyl, taking a leading role in substance abuse prevention efforts in former teammate Jake Ehlinger’s memory.

Past Wuerrfel Trophy winners include Tim Tebow and Sam Acho, both of whom emphasized helping others in addition to starring on the football field. Taaffe is now among that group, and he thinks Manning’s values align with the Wuerrfel Trophy, as well.

“Everything that the Wuerffel Trophy stands for, I think funny enough, Arch Manning stands for those same things,” Taaffe said. “He’s with good company, for sure.”

Manning’s first season as Texas’ starting quarterback got off to a bumpy start, but he found a groove to end the year. Through Texas’ final five games, Manning threw for 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns, to just two interceptions. For comparison, through Texas’ first seven games, Arch Manning threw for 1,449 yards and 12 touchdowns, to five interceptions.

Manning is preparing to come back for another year at Texas in 2026, and Inside Texas reported he’s taking a pay cut on his revenue-share allotment, as well. While he’ll look to take a step on the field, Michael Taaffe said leadership will be Manning’s next big focus.

“He’s always got so much going on,” Taaffe said. “I think he truly believes that significance is more important than success. He’s got one of the best platforms in all of college football. I think diving into himself as a leader and trying to give back to his teammates, being a disciple in the locker room, is really important to him.”