Arch Manning has officially stepped into the spotlight at Texas, taking over as the starting quarterback after spending two seasons waiting in the wings behind Quinn Ewers.
The pressure on Manning is immense, and it’s not solely because of his famous surname. Being part of the Manning legacy, with uncles like Peyton and Eli Manning and a grandfather, Archie Manning, who was a legendary college football quarterback, sets the bar high.
However, it’s not just his family lineage that has everyone talking. If Arch was a Manning but had been a two-star recruit out of high school, the excitement wouldn’t be as intense. But Arch Manning came in with a stellar reputation, being a five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in the 2023 class.
During his stint as Ewers’ backup, Manning had shown flashes of brilliance, which has only heightened expectations for what he can achieve in 2025. The buzz is so intense that many are already talking about him as a potential Heisman Trophy contender. And let’s not overlook the hopes Texas has pinned on him for leading them to a College Football Playoff victory.
Yet, not everyone is convinced just yet. Urban Meyer, a well-respected college football analyst and experienced championship-winning coach, has expressed his reservations about the rising star.
“The big question is: Will Arch Manning live up to the hype? Personally, I think it’s still up in the air,” Meyer commented during a recent episode of “The Triple Option” podcast, as noted by On3.
Meyer pointed out that Manning’s success will partly depend on the talent surrounding him on the field.
“Every great quarterback has one thing in common—exceptional players surrounding them. I assume Texas has them, but at this point, I can’t say for sure,” Meyer elaborated.
Another factor that Meyer is keen to observe is how Manning copes with the pressure of being the leading figure for the Longhorns. For the past two years, he’s been in Ewers’ shadow, but now it’s Manning’s time to lead in Austin.
“The pressure on him to fulfill expectations at Texas is enormous. From what I’ve seen, he’s a talented player, but I’ve yet to witness that talent fully flourish at this level,” Meyer remarked.
In the previous season, Manning was featured in 10 games for Texas, mainly in a supporting role. During that time, he passed for 939 yards, scored nine touchdowns, and had two interceptions, while also rushing in for four touchdowns—solid proof that he has the potential to make his mark.
