How Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns grade in midseason report card

Texas football, which began the season atop the Associated Press poll, is now ranked 19th after losing to Oklahoma and Florida. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, quarterback Arch Manning, and several players maintain confidence in the team's ability to improve, but the season has earned a mixed report card.

Quarterback Arch Manning, a fourth-year senior, is struggling with a lack of confidence and lacks the creativity of his previous self. Manning ranks near the bottom of the SEC in passing yards (1,295), passing touchdowns (11), and completion percentage (63.9). He has been sacked 17 times, the third-most in the SEC, and has only rushed for 102 yards without a touchdown. However, Manning can showcase flashes of brilliance, as seen in a game against Ohio State where Texas scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives.

Running backs have been less productive this season. While former all-conference backs Hollywood Smothers (North Carolina State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) have been signed, their production has been pedestrian. Manning's rushing yards have also dropped, but Smothers and Brown have provided some support in the passing game with 10 catches each.

The wide receiver unit failed to impress, with no player in the top 15 in the SEC for receptions or receiving yards. Cam Coleman from Auburn, a four-star recruit, is tied for the conference lead in TD receptions with six, while Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V are reliable targets. However, the tight ends have been almost invisible in the passing game, with Emaree Winston leading with six catches for 70 yards.

The offensive line's cohesion is lacking, despite having talented pieces. Left tackle Trevor Goosby and right tackle Melvin Siani are projected as early-round NFL picks, while Connor Robertson and Brandon Baker have started for multiple seasons. The line struggles to convert short-yardage situations and ranks last in the league in total yards (307.3 yards per game) and rushing yards (96.0).