Arch Manning Catches TD in Wild Trick Play Against Arkansas as College Football World Reacts
Arch Manning is known for his arm but on Saturday, it was his hands that stole the spotlight. In No. 17 Texas’ matchup with Arkansas, the redshirt sophomore quarterback caught the first touchdown pass of his career on a beautifully executed trick play that sent social media into a frenzy, both good and bad.
Texas Dials Up a Trick Play for Six
With Texas clinging to a one-point lead on second-and-goal from the four-yard line, Steve Sarkisian reached deep into his bag. Manning handed the ball off, then quietly leaked out into the flat as the Arkansas defense crashed toward the run action. Wide receiver Parker Livingstone took the ball on the misdirection and rolled right before lofting a pass toward a wide-open Manning in the end zone.
The throw sailed high, but Manning showed his athleticism, leaping to snag it for an easy touchdown and a clip that immediately dominated the highlight reels.
It was the kind of creative spark Texas needed early, and Manning quickly showed that his receiving ability wasn’t the only thing working. On the Longhorns’ first three drives, he went 8-of-9 for 191 yards and two passing touchdowns, later connecting with Livingstone again for a 54-yard strike to extend the lead.
Social Media Erupts: Praise, Jokes, and Hot Takes
As expected, the play ignited Twitter almost instantly. Some fans praised Sarkisian’s creativity. Others poked fun at Manning’s growing list of responsibilities.
One common theme? Jokes about Arch playing the wrong position.
“WR1 in the 2027 NFL Draft,” one fan joked.
Another fan wondered if a position switch might be worthwhile for Manning, writing, “Is Arch Manning a better wide receiver than he is a quarterback?”
After fans saw the play take place, they went online to express their surprise and joy at the unique play by the Texas offense. One person wrote on X, “Texas going to try and make Arch Manning cool again today.”
The reactions ranged from playful ribbing to genuine excitement over seeing the former No. 1 recruit showcase another skill set. Given the intense scrutiny Manning has faced all season, from unfair expectations to constant comparisons, the ability to laugh at the moment helped lighten the noise.
High Stakes for Manning, Sarkisian, and Texas
Behind the humor, though, the stakes remain massive. Texas is still fighting to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive despite multiple losses, and the pressure on both Manning and Steve Sarkisian has been enormous.
Arkansas entered the game with one of the country’s most explosive offenses, and with the rivalry’s history, Sarkisian knew he needed early points and momentum. Manning delivered both, trick play included.
What could have been a silly footnote became one of the defining moments of the game and perhaps the season: a reminder that despite the pressure, the expectations, and the noise, Arch Manning is still learning, still growing, and still capable of delivering big moments in big games.
And if he adds a few highlight-reel catches along the way? Well, the internet will certainly have fun with it.
