The Arch Manning experience has been a roller coaster.
Manning has had millions of people keeping a close eye on his performance since he was in high school. Now, at the University of Texas, fans have been up and down on their opinions of Manning. That hasn’t changed one bit after his solid opening performance against Texas State.
CFB Fans Split after Arch Manning’s Season-Opening Showcase
The Texas Longhorns cruised to an easy 59-7 victory over in-state foes Texas State on Saturday. Manning started the year with a solid game, completing 20 of his 27 passes for 305 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He looked good overall, but with room to grow and clean up a few mistakes.
Fans weren’t buying the Manning hype quite yet and want to see him prove it against top competition. They’ll get to see it against No. 1 Ohio State next weekend.
“I hate hearing the Arch Manning hype after Texas beats up on a bad team. Lol. Let’s talk next week,” said one fan.
I hate hearing the Arch Manning hype after Texas beats up on a bad team. Lol. Let’s talk next week
— The Undeniable (@BasicallyJAH) September 5, 2026
“Arch Manning played against Texas State. Moore played a real team, and I’m not even an Oregon fan,” added another fan.
Dante Moore played Boise State and had a great game himself. He heated up in the second half, although Oregon didn’t have a comfortable win. Through this season, all eyes will be on which of Moore or Manning can pull away to be tapped as the #1 QB in this draft class.
“Dante Moore of Oregon was far more impressive and he played A REAL College Football Team! (Boise State). Not a prop like Arch Manning did today!! (Texas State)?” added another fan supporting Moore.
Dante Moore of Oregon Was Far More Impressive and He Plated A REAL College Football Team! (Boise State).
Not a Prop like Arch Manning Did Today!! (texas state)?DANTE MOORE QB Oregon:
✅ 27/38 PASSING
✅ 378 PASS YDS
✅ 3 TD/0 INT
✅ 71.1 CMP %
✅ 10.2 Y/A— PAPI (@Papi_Golf) September 5, 2026
It appears Manning needs to prove himself to most of the college football nation, but not to everyone.
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“Arch Manning is gonna be the most overanalyzed QB in college football all year. 4 TDs and people will say it was ‘Texas State.’ One bad game and he’s ‘overrated.’ So what would Arch actually have to do for y’all to admit the hype is REAL?” added sports podcast Kicks & Convos.
Arch Manning is gonna be the most overanalyzed QB in college football all year 😂
4 TDs and people will say “it was Texas State.”
One bad game and he’s “overrated.”So what would Arch actually have to do for y’all to admit the hype is REAL? 👀🔥
— Kicks & Convos (@KicksConvos) September 5, 2026
“Arch Manning is going to have a great year this year. He’s really dialed in; there are a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out, but the Texas Longhorns are without a doubt a contender this year. The defense also looks sharp. We’ll see how they do vs tougher competition, but it is looking good,” said one fan.
One fan was more measured in his approach to evaluating Manning’s performance. He expected Manning to shine and get his name into the conversation of the best in the sport. But it’s his performance against the sport’s best that will be the telltale sign of whether Manning is truly the real deal.
“Today can get Arch into the conversation. Next week against Ohio State is where he can prove he belongs there,” said one fan.
Texas and Ohio State are going to treat fans to a phenomenal game. They’ve delivered close games over the last few years and have recently had one of the best non-conference games on their schedule.
There will be so much star power on that field next week in Texas. Manning will enter this game next week with the best receiver he’s played with in Cam Coleman, looking to prove his supporters right and doubters wrong. Manning’s performance against Texas State was encouraging, but next week will be the measuring stick for most fans.
