Michael Taaffe reflected on his Texas career and what he wishes had ended differently, telling KXAN that the lasting impression isn’t just the plays but “the guy that he was.” He added that he hopes he left a positive impression and acknowledged the burden of passing the torch to Arch Manning, saying, “the other No. 16 I have a good feeling in him.”
Texas’ disappointment of a season that began with a No. 1 national ranking but ended 9-3 and outside the CFP bracket remains a talking point, underscoring how Manning’s choice to remain in Austin shapes the program’s short-term outlook. The Longhorns’ losses to Ohio State, Georgia and Florida helped define a resume that failed to reach the playoff for a third straight year.
Arch Manning’s production in limited exposure this season stands out: 227 of 370 passing for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, plus 244 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He closed the season strong, with the last five starts accounting for three 300-yard games and 12 touchdown passes, including a 346-yard, three-TD performance at Mississippi State that became a turning point.
Sarkisian noted Manning’s growth both physically and mentally, praising the redshirt sophomore for an upward trajectory and unfinished business in Austin. “He’s gotten better as the season’s gone on,” the coach said, emphasizing Manning’s development and the mature path he’s on as he continues to work toward his goals in the program.
Taaffe and Malik Muhammad will represent Texas in Mobile as six Longhorns accepted invitations to the two major college all-star events. Taaffe’s résumé—a walk-on turned starter with 222 career tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, two Burlsworth Trophy finals, first-team All-SEC, and the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy—highlights the veteran depth Texas is bringing to the spotlight, while Muhammad focuses on showcasing efficiency, technique and leadership to NFL scouts.
The broader group includes Jack Endries, DJ Campbell, Ethan Burke, and Jaylon Guilbeau, who will compete at the East-West Shrine Bowl as Texas aims to reinforce its forward momentum toward the 2026 draft. With multiple Longhorns projected as mid-round picks, the coming week can have measurable implications for Texas’ NFL draft stock and the program’s long-term perception.
Texas is producing NFL talent again, but the standard remains high. Taaffe’s regret and his faith in Arch Manning capture the ambivalence and ambition driving Austin’s program, suggesting that the “unfinished business” ethos now defines Texas as much as any on-field stat line. As the all-star week unfolds, both Taaffe and Manning will have another chance to impact the national narrative surrounding Texas football and its draft prospects.
