With all of the attention Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is getting right now, there’s someone else who has some perspective on his playing style.
No, it’s not Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian this time, but former Texas head coach Mack Brown. Brown helped lead Texas to its last national championship in 2005, with quarterback Vince Young in charge of the offense.
This season, though, Sarkisian is giving the offense’s reins to Manning, a highly touted QB who played behind Quinn Ewers, who is now playing for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL, last season.
What Does Mack Brown See in Arch Manning?
Brown, who coached Texas between 1998 and 2013, had a lengthy career in the college coaching ranks. Between stops at Texas, two tours of duty at North Carolina, and an early-career stop at Tulane, Brown put together a 282-150-1 record, which means he had a 65.2 percent winning percentage.
So, when Brown talks, people listen. He had a lot of thoughts to share not only about Arch Manning but also about Arch’s uncles, Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning. Oh, and Brown also had a couple of words to share about Arch’s grandfather, former NFL legend Archie Manning.
“I recruited Eli and Peyton, so I looked at both of them as quarterbacks,” Brown said during an “365 Sports” appearance on Monday, August 18. “Arch runs better than they do. And he runs more like his granddad. They were pocket passers and Arch can throw. But he can bring it down and run and it also helps on goal-line situations when you have the ability to run at quarterback.”
Arch displayed his running abilities in 2024, totaling 25 carries for 108 yards and four touchdowns. He put together a masterful 67-yard touchdown run against Texas-San Antonio last season.
Will Manning Be Able To Lead Texas’ Offense?
With his running abilities and pinpoint passing accuracy, Arch will add elements to the Texas offense beyond what Ewers did.
Texas opens its season against Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, putting the Longhorns on a collision course and a return clash against one another. The Buckeyes defeated the Longhorns 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl in January 2025, earning a spot in the College Football Playoffs final.
Sarkisian knows that his new starting quarterback carries a heavy load. Still, Arch can keep his eyes focused downfield and see his receivers quite well. Look for Arch to showcase those skills early and often this season.
