Arch Manning’s College Football Photoshoot Choice Sparks Surprise—Here’s What He Decided!

So, here’s a curious twist in the tale—when the leaked images of the EA Sports College Football 26 cover photoshoot hit the web, Texas Longhorns nowhere to be seen. No Arch Manning, no burnt orange in sight. Now, that might have sent a ripple through the fanbase, but Steve Sarkisian was quick to set the record straight: it wasn’t an oversight, it was a choice. And honestly, this decision begs a bigger question—what does it say when one of college football’s brightest stars and his coach opt out of the spotlight in a game that’s all about spotlight moments? Manning, fresh off a breakout season, had every reason to be front and center, especially when plenty of rookies and less heralded players made the cut. But Sarkisian’s take? He wants Arch to have that agonizing “go or stay” dilemma come draft day—a real testament to a player who’s become a cornerstone for Texas’ promising future. And isn’t that what sports — and video games — thrive on anyway? Tough choices, big stakes, and the drama that keeps us all hooked. LEARN MORE.

Texas fans may have wondered why leaked pictures from the purported EA Sports College Football 26 cover photoshoot featured no Longhorns representation. Steve Sarkisian claimed that it was by choice.

Last month, images surfaced of the supposed Deluxe Edition cover for College Football 26. Jalen Milroe, Carson Beck, and Jeremiah Smith were among the numerous players present at the Rose Bowl, and head coaches Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, James Franklin, and Lane Kiffin also appear in a group photo.

Courtesy of Inside Texas, Sarkisian said Monday at the Houston TD Club that he and Arch Manning declined invitations to the photo shoot.

The Texas program earned recognition after making the SEC Championship Game with an 11-1 record. After losing to Georgia, the Longhorns advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals with wins over Clemson and Arizona State before falling to Ohio State.

Manning shined when briefly replacing an injured Quinn Ewers in September, and the heavily hyped recruit will enter 2025 as one of college football’s top quarterbacks to watch. Michigan true freshman Bryce Underwood appeared in the photo shoot, so inexperience shouldn’t have deterred the Texas quarterback from participating.

Last year, Manning initially opted out of College Football 25. However, he reversed course, lending his name, image, and likeness to the revived game and appearing in a commercial to promote it.

Perhaps Manning will stand out as a top cover candidate for next year’s game. One would think Sarkisian will cross his fingers for Manning to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and stay in Texas for his senior year.

However, the head coach explained why he wants Manning to have a difficult choice this winter.

“I hope he’s got a really hard decision to make around January 21,” Sarkisian said. “That means we played a long time. That means he played a really good season. And that means he’s trying to figure out, ‘Do I want one more year in the burnt orange, or is it time to go to the NFL?’ I hope it’s a really hard decision. I hope it’s not a no-brainer to come back to school.”

Related: EA Sports Announces Release Date For College Football 26