Texas quarterback Arch Manning is once again under intense scrutiny ahead of his second full season as the Longhorns’ QB1. Manning was one of the most criticized players in college football last season as the preseason No. 1-ranked Longhorns failed to make the 12-team playoff field.
Arch Manning Reveals the Best Golfer in the Family
While speaking to reporters during the SEC media days on Thursday, Manning spoke about his golf aptitude and revealed that his uncle, Peyton Manning, was the best golfer in the family.
“I broke 80 for the first time last week. It probably was an 80. I gave myself a putt,” Arch Manning said.
Arch was one of the most hyped prospects in college football history because of his Manning family ties. He is the nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning and the grandson of icon Archie Manning.
He was the No. 1-ranked prospect in the class of 2023 and there was a general clamor from fans for him to get more playing time even as a freshman. Whenever the Longhorns’ QB1 Quinn Ewers played poorly, fans would call for coach Steve Sarkisian to install Manning as the starter.
After Ewers left for the NFL, Manning finally got his chance last year, but he had a shaky start under centre for the Longhorns against the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida Gators.
After his slow start to the season, Manning found his footing and led the Longhorns to seven wins in their last eight games to close out a mixed year. In those final eight games, Manning had 15 touchdowns to two interceptions as the Longhorns beat four ranked teams.
In those high-profile games, Manning had seven touchdowns and zero interceptions to finish the season as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He earned a PFN College QB Impact score of 83.1 after tallying 3,163 passing yards on 61.4% completion, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while adding 399 rushing yards and 10 scores.
While speaking to reporters during the SEC media days, Sarkisian praised the Texas quarterback’s character after the criticism that he endured last season.
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“I think what he got put through probably would have melted or destroyed 99% of people in his shoes,” Sarkisian said. “All he did was stay consistent, true to who he was, continue to work hard, continue to be a great teammate.”
Manning is tied with Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr as the preseason Heisman Trophy favorites, once again incurring the harsh weight of the spotlight. He is also the favorite to be the 2027 NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick, cranking up the pressure to live up to a legacy that has seen both Eli and Peyton selected No. 1 overall, while his grandfather was picked No. 2 overall.
