Why Steve Sarkisian said Arch Manning plays 'for free,' and how that helps Texas football

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian reeled in a few big-name transfers this offseason and who does he credit for that? Quarterback Arch Manning . Cam Coleman , one of the best wide receivers in the transfer portal, decided to come to Texas.

Rasheem Biles , a former Pitt linebacker, was also highly sought after and chose the Longhorns. Sarkisian, now in his fifth season as head coach, said Manning deserve some credit for those moves. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec.

31, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) Football programs in light of the House v. NCAA settlement can now pay their players, but have a limit on the cost of their total roster.

In a recent interview to On3 , Sarkisian joked that the Longhorns got Manning "for free," making it easier to pay other talented players. Here's what Sarkisian had to say as Texas spring practice draws to a close: Arch Manning playing 'for free' for Texas Manning stayed at Texas despite chances to transfer and make more money. On3 projects Manning's NIL valuation to be $5.