Arch Manning Called College Football’s Most Hated—and He Doesn’t Care

As the Texas Longhorns (8-3, 5-2 SEC) prepare for their season finale against the undefeated Texas A&M Aggies (11-0, 7-0 SEC), Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe made a bold statement about quarterback Arch Manning.

“I think he’s the most hated person in all college football, and he doesn’t even care,” Taaffe said during a press release. “He just cares about winning and he cares about his teammates. The things that he’s done for this team, the adversity that he’s gone through, I think if you look at it he’s the best player in college football.”

Manning, a sophomore, entered the 2025 season with high expectations and limited starting experience, having only started two games prior to this campaign. Despite early inconsistencies, he has shown growth and leadership, positioning himself as a potential Heisman Trophy contender, reported Bolavip.

Taaffe also added that if he had a Heisman vote, he would vote for Arch Manning. “You compare his numbers, I bet the numbers are probably up there,” he said.

Manning will face another Heisman candidate, Marcel Reed, when Texas hosts Texas A&M during Rivalry Week. Other top quarterbacks, including Julian Sayin of Ohio State and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, will also be in the national spotlight as their teams face key rivalry matchups.