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Arch Manning jerseys reportedly go on clearance in Austin

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has faced mounting criticism following a 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in their most recent matchup, with his performance under fire after two costly second-half interceptions sealed the defeat. Head coach Steve Sarkisian pushed back against the scrutiny, arguing that Manning’s last name—shared with NFL legends Peyton and Eli—has inflated expectations, suggesting fans might view him differently if he played under a different name.

Despite the backlash, Manning has already overcome four Top-10 teams in his last 13 starts, a record that Sarkisian emphasized as proof of his talent. However, pundits like ESPN’s Paul Finebaum and *The Athletic*’s Jason Kirk dismissed the coach’s defense, calling Manning’s play inconsistent and questioning whether he’d even start if his surname weren’t Manning.

The fallout appears to be hitting merchandise sales, too: Manning’s jerseys have reportedly been spotted on clearance for 50% off at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a rare sight for a player still early in his college career. With Texas at 4-1 and playoff hopes alive, the Longhorns have a chance to turn the narrative around—assuming Manning can silence his critics on the field before the season’s end.

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