Manning Progressing After Foot Surgery
A significant piece of the SEC's 2026 quarterback puzzle is on the mend. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is out of the protective boot he was wearing after a minor foot surgery in January. According to reports, the procedure was to clean up a lingering issue and was not considered serious.
Manning has reportedly resumed throwing and is expected to be ready for spring practice, although he will likely be limited, particularly in the early stages. The limited capacity will allow younger quarterbacks on the roster to receive more repetitions as Manning works back to full strength. Despite the temporary limitations, the outlook is positive for Manning to be fully prepared to build on-field chemistry with new receivers heading into the season.
Last season, Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, adding 10 rushing scores. His progress will be a central storyline for the Longhorns as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
QUICK HITS
- No. 15 Auburn Gymnastics Faces No. 1 Oklahoma: A major road test awaits the No. 15 Auburn gymnastics team as they travel to Norman to take on top-ranked Oklahoma on Friday night. The meet is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
- Tennessee Sends Seven to NFL Combine: The Tennessee Volunteers have a strong contingent of seven former players in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. The group includes quarterback Joey Aguilar, defensive linemen Joshua Josephs and Bryson Eason, defensive backs Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy, tight end Miles Kitselman, and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. On-field workouts began Thursday and will continue through the weekend.
- No. 13 Auburn Women's Tennis Falls to Oklahoma: The No. 13 Auburn women's tennis team saw their comeback effort fall short, losing 4-2 to No. 11 Oklahoma in Norman on Thursday. Oklahoma secured the doubles point for the first time this season and held on for the victory despite singles wins from Auburn's Gloriana Nahum and Evialina Laskevich.
- Men's Tennis Weekend Preview: Several SEC men's tennis teams are facing ranked opponents this weekend. No. 16 Florida travels to face No. 41 Kentucky before hosting No. 22 South Carolina. Meanwhile, No. 18 Auburn will play at Tennessee before returning home for a doubleheader against No. 5 Mississippi State and Eastern Kentucky.
- No. 3 Texas Softball Hosts Invitational: The No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns softball team is set to host the Longhorn Invitational this weekend. Their schedule includes matchups against Houston, St. Bonaventure, Prairie View A&M, and Incarnate Word, with the opening game Friday at 6 p.m. against Houston.
PORTAL WATCH
There has been no significant transfer portal activity reported across the Southeastern Conference in the last 12 hours.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There are no new recruiting commitments to report from within the SEC at this time.
GAMES TO WATCH
- Men's Basketball: Mississippi State at Alabama (Time TBD, ESPNU)
- Men's Basketball: Texas A&M at Arkansas (Time TBD, ESPN2)
- Men's Basketball: LSU at Ole Miss (Time TBD, SEC Network)
- Men's Basketball: Georgia at Vanderbilt (Time TBD, SEC Network)
- Men's Basketball: Tennessee at LSU (Time TBD, TV TBD)
- Men's Basketball: Ole Miss at Florida (Time TBD, TV TBD)
- Women's Tennis: Florida at Texas (Time TBD, ESPN2)