CONGRATULATIONS: Steve Sarkisian Wins Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year and Arch Manning Wins Big—Then Stuns the Nation With a Shocking Statement
CONGRATULATIONS: Steve Sarkisian Wins Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year and Arch Manning Wins Big—Then Stuns the Nation With a Shocking Statement
The college football world erupted in celebration as Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was named the Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year, capping off a season that redefined excellence in Austin. At the same time, Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning added his own chapter to the program’s resurgence by claiming a major national award of his own—before delivering a statement that left fans, analysts, and rivals buzzing.
For Sarkisian, the honor was the culmination of years of meticulous rebuilding. Long criticized as a sleeping giant, Texas finally roared under his steady leadership. Sarkisian’s offense blended innovation with discipline, while his player development and culture-setting transformed raw talent into cohesive dominance. Week after week, the Longhorns played with confidence, toughness, and clarity of purpose—hallmarks of a championship-caliber program.
“This award belongs to the staff and the players,” Sarkisian said during the announcement. “They bought into the standard, and they lived it every single day.”
That standard was perhaps best embodied by Arch Manning. After stepping into the national spotlight, Manning delivered performances that balanced poise beyond his years with flashes of generational brilliance. His command of the offense, ability to read defenses, and calm in high-pressure moments earned him one of college football’s most prestigious individual honors, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
During his acceptance speech, Manning stunned the audience with a statement that immediately went viral:
“I’m grateful for the recognition, but individual awards aren’t why I play. If it ever becomes about me, I’m doing it wrong.”
The remark cut through the noise of NIL deals, media hype, and constant comparisons to past legends. In an era dominated by branding and personal accolades, Manning’s words felt refreshingly old-school—and deeply aligned with the culture Sarkisian has built.
Together, Sarkisian and Manning symbolize a new era of Texas football—one grounded in accountability, unity, and relentless ambition. The coach sets the vision. The quarterback executes it. And the program thrives as a result.
As the celebrations continue in Austin, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a season of awards—it’s a statement to the rest of college football. Texas isn’t chasing relevance anymore.