Star QB Arch Manning Breaks Silence on Real Reason He Committed to Steve Sarkisian and Texas

Arch Manning is heading into the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations. The Texas Longhorns quarterback is not only seen as a Heisman Trophy contender but is also projected to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Many believe he could emerge as the best signal-caller in the nation this year.

What makes his journey even more interesting is that he is the first member of the legendary Manning family to suit up for Texas. Manning is well aware of the attention that comes with his last name. So, he has recently opened up about what led him to choose Steve Sarkisian’s football program and why Austin felt like the right fit.

Arch Manning Makes Steve Sarkisian Admission

After two years of waiting behind Quinn Ewers, the heir of the Manning family is finally stepping into the spotlight as Texas’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The former No. 1 overall recruit has long kept everyone wondering why he chose the Longhorns over other top programs.

The question came up often because none of his famous football relatives ever played for Texas. His grandfather, Archie Manning, stared at Ole Miss. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, played at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively. Even his father, Cooper Manning, committed to Ole Miss before a spinal condition ended his career.

“I learned a lot, and really learned a lot about myself.. I had that time to grow as a person and a player.”

“I was fortunate last year to get games under my belt and ready for this year… It’s a constant grind of getting better.”

“I knew (Texas) was where I wanted to play all… pic.twitter.com/kK983BBJFR

— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) June 27, 2025

So Arch’s decision to commit to Texas marked a major break from the family tradition. Now, he’s opening up about why he picked Sarkisian and the Longhorns in the first place.

“Just his track record with quarterbacks,” the Longhorns QB said. “He came off a really good year in 2020 with Mac Jones at Alabama. They lit it up. I like him as a person. I liked Austin, liked Texas, so it was just the right fit. He’s hard on me sometimes, but I deserve it a lot of the time. It’s gonna be a fun year. I’m excited.”

KEEP READING: Texas QB Arch Manning Leads No. 1 Offense in College Football 26 Despite Only 2 Career Starts

Now entering his redshirt sophomore season, the 21-year-old saw limited action in 2024. He played in 10 games, completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. His breakout moment came against Mississippi State, where he threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns while completing 26 of 31 passes.

Coaches praise his football IQ and his maturity. Many admire the patience he showed by waiting two full years behind Ewers. With a $6.8 million NIL valuation and national hype surrounding him, he looks ready to become one of college football’s biggest stars. All that’s left is for him to take the field and start leading the Longhorns on Aug. 30.