The 2026 SEC Media Days are rapidly approaching, and this year, the Texas Longhorns are once again sending some of the best talent in all of college football to represent the program.
Of course, head coach Steve Sarkisian will be in attendance, alongside the 15 other head coaches in the conference.
Heading to Tampa alongside Sarkisian will be Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning, who represented the Horns at last year's SEC Media Days, as well as star linebacker Colin Simmons and beloved offensive lineman Trevor Goosby.
Last year, the crowd of media members that Manning attracted at his individual press conference seemed to outnumber every other player in attendance combined. This year, it shouldn't be surprising if the Horns' QB1 sees more of the same.
The biggest question Manning should be prepared to answer could very easily be: "What actually makes this season any different than last year?"
Of course, before last season even kicked off, the hype around Manning and the Longhorns was astronomical, and it was almost immediately extinguished as Texas flailed against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 1.
Representing the Horns at SEC Media Days 🤘 pic.twitter.com/fTtUMvMqqf
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) July 14, 2026
This season, there is arguably even more hype around Texas football, and it will lead to even bigger expectations for Manning.
Manning, Goosby, Simmons will represent Horns at SEC Media Days
This year, of course, Goosby is joined by an improved offensive line next to him, providing more protection for Manning in the backfield, after Sarkisian tapped into the transfer portal to land elite and experienced linemen for the job.
However, Manning also has a few new tools around him as well, such as wide receiver Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers, who transferred to Texas during the offseason.
So, at the end of the day, there are a lot of aspects that should make this season more promising than last year was. However, Manning's answer to the question will have all ears tuned into his microphone at this year's SEC Media Days.
Sarkisian and his trio of stars will take the podium on Thursday, July 23, with the Longhorns' head coach taking the stage ahead of his three players holding their own at individual breakouts.
Also read: Colin Simmons' mindset ahead of the 2026 season will be music to Longhorns fans' ears
Last year, as Manning joined Sarkisian at the conference media days, he was alongside two veterans: safety Michael Taaffe and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. This year, Manning will be the veteran leader for the program, and all eyes will be on him.
Of course, one of the most notable moments from last year's SEC Media Days was when the DJ played the wrong fight song as Sarkisian took the stage song as Sarkisian took the stage. Hopefully, this year, they can avoid any disastrous fumbles like that one.
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