Three weeks into college football, and for Texas fans, it’s also been three weeks of watching Arch Manning take over as quarterback. However, the hype surrounding Manning hasn’t quite matched the results on the field.
How Is Arch Manning’s Passing Game Struggling This Season?
Through three games, Manning has struggled to find consistency in the passing game. He had a rough debut against Ohio State, completing just 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 14-7 loss. Then came another shaky outing at home versus UTEP, where fans even booed him after missing an open receiver and going 10 consecutive passes without a completion.
Against UTEP, Arch Manning missed 10 consecutive passes. @smclaughlinCFB @LockedOnNetwork @drakectoll pic.twitter.com/XzVeSuIGjE
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) September 13, 2025
Manning did show flashes against San Jose State, throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Still, his passing game has been uneven overall, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he’s ready for the enormous expectations placed on him.
Many had pegged Manning as a potential Heisman contender before the 2025 season, but his slow start has led to sharp comparisons with former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Social media has not held back on the criticism.
One fan pointed out, “It’s crazy how Arch Manning can struggle like this with no media backlash, but Quinn Ewers got Texas to back-to-back semis while injured last year, and the media was calling for his job every play… sad world.”
It’s crazy how arch manning can struggle like this with no media backlash but Quinn Ewers got Texas to back to back semis while playing injured last year and media was calling for his job every play.. sad world
— Brian Sporman (@BrianSporman) September 13, 2025
Others went straight for the jugular, calling it “football nepotism,” suggesting that Manning’s famous last name has given him a softer landing than other players might get.
Football nepotism is real!
— ☠️ RD Greenfield ☠️ (@RDGreenfield1) September 13, 2025
Fans have shared their frustration in both serious and humorous ways. “Arch has been getting grilled, all I see after every game is that Arch sucks,” wrote one user.
Arch has been getting grilled that all I see after every game that arch sucks and all that
— Troy Charles (@troyhjr12) September 13, 2025
Another said, “It’s a reason why Quinn played and Arch didn’t, if he was really that good, he would’ve been played regardless of age.”
It’s a reason why Quinn played and arch didn’t, cause if he was really like that he would’ve been played regardless of age,didn’t appreciate em and pushed Quinn out for nothing lol
— . (@Murph2x_) September 13, 2025
Meanwhile, in a lighter tone, one fan joked, “My fault. I didn’t realize how bad Arch is.”
My fault. I didn’t realize how bad Arch is 🤣🤣
— Alejandro 🇲🇽 (El AV 🦅) (@aduran0723) September 13, 2025
What Do the Numbers Show About Manning’s Performance?
Despite his passing struggles, Manning has found success on the ground, scoring multiple rushing touchdowns. Texas won that UTEP game 27-10, proving the team can still find ways to win even when the passing attack falters.
The pressure continues to mount for Manning, who entered the season as one of the preseason favorites for the Heisman Trophy. The expectations come from his famous surname, the disappointed fans, and inevitable comparisons to Ewers, who led Texas to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances.
The next few games will prove pivotal in determining whether Manning can silence the critics or if the scrutiny will only intensify.
