“Definitely a Shock”: Arch Manning Breaks Silence on Bizarre Pregame Tunnel Trip Before 4-TD Night

Arch Manning finished his first full season as Texas’s starter with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan to close out a 10-3 year. Heading into 2026 the expectations are even higher, and Manning showed up to the season opener against Colorado State looking to build on that momentum.

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He just had to get onto the field first. But during team introductions, Manning went down face-first before ever reaching the grass.

Arch Manning opens up about viral tunnel fall before season opener

Manning was walking through the stadium tunnel during team introductions when a fan grabbed his arm. He lost his balance and tripped over a camera operator.

He later opened up about the tunnel fall. “It was definitely a little bit of a shock. I was definitely thrown off. It’s hard to see in that smoke. It’s a little deceiving. It was good to get my first hit before the game started and get ready to roll,” Manning said.

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes with the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Manning reassured fans that he escaped the fall without injury. The sophomore signal-caller quickly shifted all focus to his on-field performance once the game kicked off.

Texas quarterback bounces back with strong performance

Texas wasted no time going up 14-0 on their first two drives with Manning hitting Cam Coleman for a six-yard score on the opening series and then connecting with Ryan Wingo shortly after. By halftime it was a rout, and the Longhorns never let up on their way to a 59-7 final.

Manning finished 20 of 27 for 305 yards and four touchdowns, with his only blemish being an interception in the end zone late in the first half. Coleman caught two of the touchdowns while Wingo had the best overall day on the receiving end, finishing with seven catches for 121 yards and a score.

The supporting cast made a strong first impression as well. Transfer running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown both debuted, with Smothers totaling 98 yards of offense and a receiving score and Brown adding two rushing touchdowns. The one sour note came when freshman running back Derrek Cooper left in the first half with an injury and did not return.

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