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Sam Acho highlights Arch Manning's relationship with Texas teammates amid struggles

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko14 hours agonickkosko59
USATSI_27073782 (1)
Gaby Velasquez / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ESPN’s Sam Acho highlighted Arch Manning leaning on teammates at Texas as a way to get out of his current rut. Manning’s had a rollercoaster-type season so far, just three games in.

Texas is 2-1, with their lone loss coming to now-No. 1 Ohio State. But after the preseason hype surrounding the Longhorns and Manning, it could be mental at this point.

Acho pointed towards senior leadership, particularly from safety Michael Taaffe, to helping Manning. That could lead to a bounce back weekend as well as more consistent play the rest of the way.

“Well, it’s interesting. You listen to some of the interviews, he’s like, man, yeah, a lot of it may be mental. That’s what he was saying. I got to kind of get over some of that, which can be difficult,” Acho told On3. “But what’s also cool about some of those interviews, if you listen to them or watch them, is who are the guys around him, right? So Michael Taaffe is one of the starting safeties on the team. Usually you’ll see Michael Taaffe right next to him in those interviews. Michael Taaffe is a senior. He’s a leader on the team, been a part of the team, started for many years, been a part of college playoff games, etc. And I get excited about guys like him, because it’s not a one person sport. Michael Taaffe, who is a member of the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, is a leader for his team. 

“And so when I think about it, okay, how does Arch get better? It can’t just be Arch, it’s got to be the defense stepping up for him, the running game being more consistent as well, and also those leaders being in his ear and saying, ‘Hey, man, I’ve been through hard stuff too …’ Those are the kinds of people in the locker room. So I think those are the people, trusted people, need to kind of remind Arch that everybody’s going to go through something. It’s not always going to be easy, but there’s a way to get through it.”

So far this season, Manning has 579 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions, a 55.3% completion percentage, 112 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He’ll look to bounce back this week against Sam Houston before SEC play vs. Florida in October.