Arch Manning Receives Concerning Texas Injury News as Hollywood Smothers Is Downgraded to Doubtful

Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns entered the 2026 college football season as one of the favorites to win the national championship, along with the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame. Manning and Steve Sarkisian capped off their 2025 season with eye-catching wins over Texas A&M and the Michigan Wolverines, and the expectation was that the duo would pick up where they left off.

The Longhorns started the 2026 season with four wins in a row, including wins over the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tennessee Volunteers. Manning’s team might have been winning, but the offense was far from convincing. The cracks became more evident as Texas lost back-to-back against the Oklahoma Sooners and the Florida Gators, both SEC rivals.

The offense has averaged 30.2 points per game, ranking 64th in the nation, and clearly lacks consistent explosive plays. Manning hasn’t been prolific himself. The Texas quarterback has completed 106 of 166 passes for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The offensive line has not made life any easier for Manning, as he has already been sacked 17 times in six games. Another concern is the lack of a consistent running game. Sarkisian’s side averages 135 yards per game on the ground, ranking in the lower half of the SEC.

Manning and the Longhorns are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels in their Week 8 game, with their College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance. It will be a difficult game as the Rebels’ offense, led by Trinidad Chambliss, is firing on all cylinders, while their defense has also started to find its rhythm now. Therefore, Manning will need all the help around him.

Texas RB Hollywood Smothers has been downgraded to doubtful for Saturday night against Ole Miss.
Sources have told @On3 that he is working through an upper-body injury. EDGE Colin Simmons has officially been ruled out. https://t.co/3hXfoISA1Epic.twitter.com/dRxJWeEjhX

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) October 23, 2026

However, Manning and Sarkisian have received concerning news just days before the Ole Miss game. Pete Nakos reported that running back Hollywood Smothers has been downgraded to doubtful for Saturday night, which is a huge blow given Texas’ struggles in the running game.

Things might be tough, but Sarkisian and Manning need to find the answers against Ole Miss or they could find themselves in big trouble.

Related: Steve Sarkisian Announces Unexpected Arch Manning Update After QB Decision

This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.