During today's media availability, a reporter asked Texas HC Steve Sarkisian about the status of Arch Manning and his shoulder due to the faces that Manning makes when he throws the football. Though it is kind of an odd question to ask, it was definitely warranted because it appears that the quarterback is in obvious pain when throwing right now.
Reporter: "Arch Manning seemed to be having some throwing pains. Is there an explanation as to why he was, would look like that [regarding his facial expressions]?"
Sarkisian's response:
"He doesn’t have any… I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that."
NEW: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian shuts down Arch Manning injury rumors:
— On3 (@On3sports) September 8, 2025
“He doesn’t have any… I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
(via @TexasLonghorns)… pic.twitter.com/XGOIO7jNvs
Though it could truly be what Manning looks like when he throws the football, and people are just now catching onto it, it would be weird. No other quarterback in the world winces or makes that type of face when throwing the football. It definitely feels like either Arch is hiding something from the coaching staff, or the coaching staff is hiding something from the public.
That doesn’t look right pic.twitter.com/1JUk181BOJ
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) September 7, 2025
Regardless of whether or not his on-field play or pass velocity shows it, it's very plausible to assume that something's wrong. A 10-yard pass wouldn't elicit a facial response like that for no reason. If you were to go outside right now and throw a baseball at a tree, your face wouldn't look anything like Manning's does when he throws a football.
It'll be interesting to see if any other information comes out about this topic because it seems to be more than just a conspiracy theory made up by the fanbase.