Arch Manning is not dealing with a shoulder injury. His family history explains the awkward grimace during Texas’ win over San Jose State that sent college football fans into a frenzy.
Steve Sarkisian made sure to reject any concern from the Longhorns fanbase and cracked himself up in the process.
Fortunately, a lack of injury is a good thing. Unfortunately, the lack of injury does not help to explain Manning’s struggles during the start of his first college football season as the starting quarterback.
Steve Sarkisian doesn’t take photos of you in the bathroom.
This whole thing started on Saturday. Actually, it goes back to Week 1.
Former NFL backup quarterback Kurt Benkert floated the idea that Manning is dealing with a shoulder injury because of how he threw the ball against Ohio State. He thinks Texas is trying to cover it up.
His controversial take took on new life against San Jose State.
Manning looked extremely uncomfortable on one specific pass during the first half that completely missed his intended target. The redshirt sophomore made an awkward face.
— – (@Spicoli_____) September 7, 2025
He and his head coach were also very short with their comments about the alleged shoulder problem during their postgame interviews. That led to even more speculation that they are hiding something.
Steve Sarkisian was asked again about his quarterback’s health on Monday. The 51-year-old shot it down with a weird but poignant quip about bathrooms, which got him to crack a wry smile.
Sarkisian on if Arch Manning had any shoulder problems 😂 pic.twitter.com/VOGnKCpkj4
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) September 8, 2025
If you still think Arch Manning is injured, I have a beachfront property to sell you in Iowa!
Arch Manning is a Manning.
This exact grimace runs in the family. Arch is no different from his uncles or his grandfather.
Let’s look at the visual evidence. It did not take me long to find the following examples.
Here is the grimace that raised concerns about Arch Manning:
Here is a photo of Peyton Manning in 2009:
Here is a photo of Eli Manning in 2019:
Here is a photo of Archie Manning in 1981:
Four different Mannings, four different grimaces. It is not an exact science but you get the idea.
Arch Manning is a Manning. They grimace when they throw. Lets move on.