It has been a rough start for quarterback Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns. Texas started the year as the top-ranked team but lost their first game of the season, a 14-7 defeat at the hands of the now top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
Manning was just 17-of-30 for 170 yards with one late touchdown and one key interception in the game. It looked like Manning got somewhat back on track in the Longhorns’ 38-7 defeat of San Jose State, where he was 19-of-30 for 295 yards with four touchdowns and one pick.
The struggles, however, returned last week, when Manning went just 11-of-25 for 114 yards with one touchdown and one pick in a 27-10 victory over UTEP. After his most recent performance, Manning has been hearing about it from just about everyone who covers college football and has been given advice from some former stars.
What Advice Does Former Heisman Winner Cam Newton Have for Arch Manning?
On 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, Newton described what he believes is why Manning has been so heavily criticized.
“I blame the people who put him on this pedestal,” Newton said. ‘He’s the greatest, he’s the best, he’s the blank frontrunner. Ya’ll did this! Everybody is not battle-tested, and we have to stop being so quick to crown.”
“If you live for the oohs and ahhs, you’ll die by the boos and nahs.”@CameronNewton tells Arch Manning to tune out the media frenzy and LOCK IN 🔒 pic.twitter.com/kDztCy6OPF
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) September 20, 2025
To be fair to Manning, Newton is right. Manning was crowned as a star before even becoming the Longhorns’ starting quarterback (and well before that as well). Of course, Newton doesn’t believe Manning can’t be a good player despite his name and expectations.
“Is it to say he’s not a good player or won’t be a good player?” Newton asked. “I’m not saying that.” Newton did offer Manning some simple advice. Newton just wants Manning to “work on his craft” and be the best player he can be while tuning out the outside noise. He’s also challenged him to “lock in.”
“If you live for the oohs and ahhs, you’ll die by the boos and nahs.” Obviously, there is plenty of time for Manning and the Longhorns to right the ship – they haven’t even played an SEC game yet. That will happen on October 4 when they travel to the Swamp to take on the struggling Florida Gators.
Manning’s Longhorns will host Sam Houston on Saturday night as they look to improve to 3-1. The game kicks off at 8:00 ET.
