The regret Michael Taaffe carries — and why he believes in Arch Manning next

The regret Michael Taaffe carries — and why he believes in Arch Manning next originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Arch Manning has received a parting message from a trusted teammate heading to the NFL. The quarterback remains in Austin while a key defender departs for the professional ranks.

Texas Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 15 through social media. The 2025 First-Team All-SEC safety leaves the program after an emotional 5-year journey from walk-on status.

But his exit comes with a heavy admission regarding the Longhorns' 2025 campaign. Texas finished the season with a 9-3 record and missed the College Football Playoff completely.

The team suffered losses to Ohio State, Georgia, and Florida despite holding the preseason No. 1 ranking. Taaffe expressed deep frustration over leaving without a national title.

The leader of the Texas defense progressed from a non-scholarship player to a key defensive player at the University of Texas, winning the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy and earning a spot on the Burlsworth Trophy finalist list.

Taaffe is handing over leadership to Manning as the program prepares for 2026. Despite challenges, he has strongly supported Manning, calling him the "best player in college football" and an essential leader for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Reflecting on his career and his desire to have won a national championship, Taaffe stated, "I hate that I couldn't get the job done, but the other No. 16, I got a good feeling in him".

This endorsement of the "other No. 16" comes as Manning, who chose not to enter the NFL Draft, prepares for his second full season as the starter and his redshirt junior year in 2026.

Michael Taaffe supports Arch Manning after disappointing finish

Taaffe and Manning built a close friendship during their time together in the Texas locker room. The outgoing defender believes the offense remains in capable hands moving forward.

Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for another 10 scores in 2025. He produced a late-season surge with 12 touchdown passes in his final 5 starts.

The quarterback decided to return for another year citing "unfinished business" in Austin. Taaffe now shifts his focus to improving his stock at the Senior Bowl.

He measured 6'0" and 189 pounds during the weigh-in process in Mobile, Alabama. Fellow defensive back Malik Muhammad also joined him at the event to showcase his skills.

Texas has sent 6 players to all-star games following a record-breaking draft class last year. The program expects to continue its momentum of producing NFL talent.

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