Arch Manning was criticized, ripped, torched – whatever you want to call it – all over social media as he faced an uphill battle to get the Texas Longhorns back into the game against the LSU Tigers.
Manning powered through three interceptions to throw a game-winning touchdown pass to Raleek Brown, giving Texas a 22-21 win against LSU. It likely saved Texas’ chances at making the College Football Playoff, but it also put the final nail in the coffin for the Tigers’ hopes.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning calls a play during the second half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Nov. 14, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Manning was asked about shutting the door on the Tigers after the game.
“We talked about, you know, you have to end someone else’s dream. I like to focus on us, but it kinda feels good at times.”
It was possibly the most hyped Manning has ever been after a win. Once the clock hit triple zeroes, Manning skipped onto the field to celebrate with his Longhorns teammates. Most of the college football world counted Manning out, but he proved that if there’s time on the clock, he’s going to give his best effort to keep Texas in the game.
“It means the world,” Manning said. “I was pointing out to some of my teammates where I sat at these games growing up. So, just coming back home, getting it done in the last few seconds, it’s a memory I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
Manning, by far, didn’t have his best performance. He showed up when it mattered the most.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the LSU Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. (Jerome Hicks/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect)
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That’s what winners do. And doing it in his home state was just icing on the cake.
“It hadn’t been great all night; I figured it was time to get it done,” Manning said. “I grew up around a lot of LSU fans. So, it’s going to feel good to come back for Mardi Gras, or come back whenever I come home (to New Orleans), and not have them talk a bunch of crap.”
For Lane Kiffin’s Tigers, they are looking at a regular bowl game appearance.
LSU has six wins on the season in Kiffin’s first year at the helm. However, the main goal, especially with all the money spent to bring Kiffin in and field a title-contending team, was to get to the 12-team playoff.
“I get it,” Kiffin told reporters. “Underperformance. Doesn’t matter if the game’s been close or they go down to the last, whatever, six seconds. We were brought here to win and we need to win more than that.
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Louisiana State Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts during the second half against Texas at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Nov. 14, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“Now, also, everything isn’t built for the first year when you come in somewhere, and I would tell you that if we were undefeated right now. You build things, and they take a little bit of time to not necessarily win, we should be winning, but to get to where your roster is like those guys.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.