Arch Manning Shrugs Off Critics After Big Win, Emphasizes Freedom of Speech

After leading the Texas Longhorns to a statement victory over archrival Oklahoma, quarterback Arch Manning kept a calm demeanor Monday, brushing off the harsh criticism that had plagued him during the early part of the season.

Smiling broadly during his postgame media availability, Manning emphasized that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and he isn’t letting external noise affect his focus on improving.

“Look, I wasn’t playing well and I’m going to continue to get better. But you know, everyone has their own opinion. That’s what’s good about America, everyone gets freedom of speech. It doesn’t bother me,” Manning said.

Early-Season Struggles

Manning’s first five games as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback were challenging, as Texas stumbled to a 1-2 start in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play and saw their national ranking drop from preseason No. 1 to unranked for a brief period.

Analysts noted that Manning appeared inconsistent, struggling with timing, accuracy, and decision-making, leaving fans and pundits skeptical about whether the young signal-caller could lead Texas back to prominence.

“The first few games were tough, no doubt,” Manning admitted. “But that’s part of growing. Every week, you learn, you improve, and you find ways to help your team win.”

Despite the early criticism, the Longhorns’ coaching staff remained supportive, highlighting Manning’s poise, leadership, and commitment to learning from mistakes.

A Statement Performance Against Oklahoma

The turning point came Sunday in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where Texas faced bitter rival Oklahoma. Manning delivered a precise, efficient performance that helped Texas secure a 23-6 victory, a critical win that could mark a midseason turning point for the program.

Manning completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and threw a crucial 12-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. on the opening drive of the second half, putting Texas ahead for good.

“He both managed the game and delivered the big plays,” said Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. “Arch showed the kind of leadership and execution we knew he was capable of, even when things were rough earlier this season.”

The victory over Oklahoma not only improved Texas’ overall record to 4-2 (1-1 SEC) but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and national perception.

Handling Criticism with Perspective

Manning’s approach to criticism reflects maturity beyond his years. Rather than reacting defensively or letting external pressures distract him, he acknowledges areas for growth while maintaining confidence in his abilities.

“I can’t control what other people think. All I can control is how I prepare, how I practice, and how I play on game day,” Manning said. “I’m focused on getting better and helping the team win. That’s what matters.”

His remarks also highlight a broader understanding of freedom of speech, something he cited as a core aspect of American life.

“Everyone gets freedom of speech. That means people will have opinions, and that’s okay. It doesn’t bother me,” Manning said.

Teammates have rallied around Manning, praising his resilience and leadership in the face of criticism. Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., who caught the go-ahead touchdown, lauded Manning’s calm demeanor and ability to keep the offense composed under pressure.

“Arch stays calm no matter what,” Moore said. “Even when the season started rough, he never let it get to him. That’s what makes him a great leader on and off the field.”

Looking Ahead for Texas

With the win over Oklahoma, the Longhorns have an opportunity to regain momentum in a deeply competitive SEC, where every conference game carries national implications. Manning’s performance is a reminder that young quarterbacks can grow into their roles, even after early struggles.

“This is a big confidence booster, not just for me, but for the whole team,” Manning said. “We know we can compete with anyone in the SEC when we execute and stay disciplined.”

The Longhorns now turn their focus to upcoming conference matchups, aiming to climb back into national rankings and position themselves for a potential postseason run. With Manning finding his rhythm, Texas fans have reason to be optimistic about the second half of the season.

Conclusion

Arch Manning’s response to criticism underscores a lesson for athletes at all levels: resilience, perspective, and focus can turn adversity into motivation. As he continues to refine his skills and lead Texas on the field, Manning’s composure and attitude suggest he may not only silence critics but also establish himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.

“I just want to keep getting better and help my team win,” Manning said. “Everything else is noise.”