Baker Mayfield Blasts Arch Manning and Texas Longhorns, Calls Them “Losers” in Controversial Rant

Baker Mayfield, never one to mince words, has once again found himself in the headlines after a fiery and unexpected jab at Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns. The former Oklahoma Sooners star and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback stirred controversy this week by labeling the Longhorns and their highly touted young quarterback “losers” during an appearance on a sports podcast.

The comment, which has now gone viral, has set off a firestorm of reactions across the college football world. It reignited long-standing tensions between Mayfield and the Texas Longhorns—a rivalry that dates back to his unforgettable days leading the Sooners in Red River Showdowns. But this time, the stakes feel different. With Arch Manning carrying the weight of a legendary football legacy on his shoulders and Texas set to enter the SEC, Mayfield’s verbal jab is more than just trash talk—it’s a direct challenge to a program striving to reclaim its former glory.

During the podcast, Mayfield was asked about the upcoming college football season, and more specifically about the impact Arch Manning might have in his second year with the Texas Longhorns. Rather than offering the usual media-friendly take, Mayfield leaned into his characteristic edge and made it clear he wasn’t impressed.

“I’m sorry, but Arch Manning hasn’t done anything yet,” Mayfield said. “And Texas? They’re still the same losers they’ve been for over a decade. They love the hype, but when it comes down to it, they never deliver.”

The backlash was immediate. Longhorns fans took to social media to defend their team and their freshman phenom, while Oklahoma supporters rallied behind Mayfield, celebrating his bold stance as a return to the swagger that defined his college career. The divide was sharp, passionate, and deeply personal—exactly what you’d expect from one of college football’s most heated rivalries.

Mayfield’s critique of Arch Manning also raised eyebrows because of who Manning is. As the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of legendary Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning, Arch came into college football with enormous expectations. He was ranked as one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation and chose Texas in a move that was seen as a turning point for the Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Since then, Arch Manning has largely played behind Quinn Ewers, Texas’ starting quarterback. But with Ewers’ future uncertain and the Longhorns preparing for their first SEC season, the buzz around Manning has only grown. Many see him as the future face of Texas football—and perhaps even the player to restore the Longhorns to national prominence.

Mayfield, however, isn’t buying it.

“Everyone’s acting like he’s already won a Heisman,” Mayfield said. “He’s a kid with a famous last name. That doesn’t mean he’s going to come in and change everything. You have to prove it on the field, and right now, Texas hasn’t proven anything. That’s the truth.”

Critics were quick to label Mayfield’s comments as unnecessarily harsh, especially toward a young player who hasn’t had the opportunity to start consistently. Others argued that Mayfield was simply doing what he’s always done—stirring the pot, speaking his mind, and living up to his role as a provocateur in the college football landscape.

This isn’t the first time Mayfield has taken aim at the Longhorns. As the quarterback at Oklahoma from 2015 to 2017, he became infamous for his taunts toward Texas. One of the most memorable moments came in 2017 when Mayfield led the Sooners to a 29-24 victory over Texas and celebrated with an emphatic horns-down gesture, a symbol now banned in certain on-field contexts. That win helped cement Mayfield’s status as a legend in Norman and a villain in Austin.

Now, years later, he’s proving that some rivalries never die.

Mayfield’s track record gives his words some weight. During his time at Oklahoma, he went 2-1 against Texas, won the Heisman Trophy in 2017, and led the Sooners to three straight Big 12 titles. His passion and playmaking ability turned him into one of college football’s most polarizing yet undeniably successful figures.

Still, his NFL career has been up and down. After a rocky tenure with the Cleveland Browns, he found some stability with the Buccaneers, helping them stay competitive in the post-Tom Brady era. Despite the inconsistencies, his confidence has never wavered—and neither has his willingness to speak out, especially when it comes to his college roots.

For Texas, the comments are a reminder that respect isn’t given—it’s earned. Though the Longhorns showed flashes of promise last season, including a thrilling win over Alabama, questions remain about their ability to compete consistently at the national level. The transition to the SEC only raises the stakes.

Arch Manning, for his part, has remained quiet. He has yet to respond to Mayfield’s comments publicly, and sources close to the Texas program suggest that he’s staying focused on football. Those around him describe him as mature beyond his years, a young quarterback who understands the pressure that comes with the Manning name and who is determined to carve his own legacy.

Whether that legacy begins this season remains to be seen. With Texas eyeing a potential quarterback competition, all eyes will be on Austin this fall. If Manning gets the nod, he’ll have a chance to answer Mayfield not with words, but with performance.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been tight-lipped about his plans but has praised Manning’s development behind the scenes. “Arch has grown tremendously over the past year,” Sarkisian said in a recent interview. “He’s embraced the work, the system, and the culture. When his time comes, he’ll be ready.”

Still, the pressure is mounting. The Longhorns’ fan base is notoriously impatient, and after years of underachieving, they are desperate for a return to national relevance. The move to the SEC places even greater scrutiny on the program, which will now face weekly battles against college football’s elite.

For Arch Manning, that means living up to the hype, avoiding distractions, and proving that he’s more than just a famous name. For Baker Mayfield, it means watching from afar—and continuing to speak his mind whenever he sees fit.

One thing is clear: the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry remains alive and well, even as both teams prepare for life in a new conference. Mayfield’s recent remarks ensure that there will be no shortage of drama the next time the Longhorns and Sooners meet on the gridiron.

In a sport where history, pride, and identity collide every Saturday, Mayfield’s comments are more than just trash talk—they’re fuel for a fire that never really goes out. And for a Texas program trying to write a new chapter, this kind of scrutiny is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Can Arch Manning rise above it? Will Texas finally shake the “losers” label and prove Mayfield wrong? Those answers will come not in interviews or tweets, but on the field, where legacies are truly written.

Until then, one thing is certain: Baker Mayfield hasn’t forgotten where he came from. And he’s not done talking.