‘Just Disappointing’ — Longhorns Fans React as Arch Manning Admits He Got a ‘Little Chubby

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The spotlight is never far from Arch Manning. Nearly everything the Texas Longhorns quarterback says or does quickly becomes a national talking point, and his recent candid admission about gaining weight during the offseason was no exception.

Manning's revelation that he gained extra pounds while recovering in a protective walking boot sparked immediate and strong reactions from fans across social media.

Arch Manning's Offseason Weight Gain Draws Funny Reactions

At the Manning Passing Academy in late June, the passer weighed around 235 pounds after bulking up during spring recovery. However, he dropped weight over the summer and has increased his mobility heading into the fall, with the quarterback now weighing around 220 pounds.
"I was a little chubby," Manning said on Tuesday, according to David Eckert.

The comment took no time to go viral, and Texas fans were quick to share their reactions. Not to mention, some of them even started taking shots at the quarterback.
"Too much time spent drinking on Dirty 6th; just disappointing," a fan said.

"Arch partying too much in the offseason," another fan joked.

">Dylan Raiola," said a fan, drawing parallels to the Oregon quarterback. "Starch Manning," one fan quipped.

Manning's weight fluctuation goes back to January, when he underwent minor foot surgery following Texas' 2025 campaign. The post-procedure recovery temporarily restricted his mobility, limiting his usual cardio routine.

Manning previously explained that his increased weight was partly intentional because he wanted to see how carrying additional mass would feel on the football field, but his recovery also played a major role. He admitted that he ultimately became heavier than he wanted and found that the extra weight made running more difficult.

"Arch at 236 lbs with a potbelly," a Texas fan page wrote, sharing an image of Peyton Manning.

"Dirty martins will do that to u," another fan joked.

Despite the online chatter, Manning's weight shift is expected for a quarterback recovering from a lower-body procedure. Much of the scrutiny surrounding the Texas passer comes from the enormous expectations attached to his name and football pedigree.

In his first year as Texas' full-time starter in 2025, Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 10 rushing scores to cap off a 10-3 campaign. He finished the season with an 83.1 PFN QB Impact grade, ranking No. 37 in the nation.

Heading into the 2026 season, expectations are now even higher for the Longhorns' full-time starter. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has strengthened the roster through player development and the transfer portal, giving the program an opportunity to aim for an SEC championship and a deep College Football Playoff run.

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