Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning entered the season with what ended up being an unreasonable amount of hype, despite never having served as a starter for a full season at the collegiate level. Manning started the season light years away from the heavy expectations placed on him, struggling against a stout Ohio State Buckeyes defense in the season opener.
However, Manning showed improvement as the season stretched on, and by the end of the season, he looked a lot closer to the polished product many were expecting to take the field at the beginning of the season.
Manning and the Longhorns capped off their season against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, and it was arguably his strongest performance of the season, as he tore through the Wolverine defense both on the ground and through the air.
Ultimately, Manning decided to return for his senior season, foregoing the NFL Draft, and is even taking a pay cut to help Texas build the strongest roster possible.
Unfortunately, his close friend and roommate, Parker Livingstone, won’t be returning after his breakout season, despite the pay cut Manning took.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be going into the portal looking for a new home,” Livingstone wrote in a statement. “Some things are out of my control. Such is the reality of the ever-changing landscape of college football.”
Manning reacted to the news on social media, and made it crystal clear how he feels about the situation, posting a sad face on Instagram along with a photo of Livingstone and him sharing the field during a game.
Livingstone has committed to Oklahoma, per On3, meaning the two brothers are now on opposite sides of the Red River Rivalry.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.