Arch Manning is expected to remain the most-discussed quarterback for a second consecutive season, but unlike last year, the Texas star now has a strong 2025 finish to back up the excitement. Meanwhile, the spotlight on Manning has also diverted attention from other SEC quarterbacks, including LSU’s Sam Leavitt.
Why Analysts Believe Arch Manning Is Better Than Sam Leavitt Entering 2026
Manning entered his first season as Texas’ starting quarterback in 2025 carrying high expectations, with many seeing him as the Heisman frontrunner before he had even taken a snap as the full-time starter. While he struggled to meet those sky-high expectations early in the season, his performance gradually improved as the year progressed.
Manning recorded multiple touchdowns in five of his final six starts and also proved his rushing ability, totaling 208 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 16 carries combined against Texas A&M and Michigan to close the season.
He ended the season with an 83.1 PFN CFB QB Impact grade, ranking 37th in the country, and surpassed 325 passing yards three times during a four-game stretch in SEC play.
Heading into the 2026 season, Manning has once again become a Heisman contender and also advanced to the final of the “Cover 3 Podcast’s” SEC quarterback bracket, where he was matched up against Leavitt.
Analyst Tom Fornelli gave Manning the edge and expressed strong confidence in the Texas signal-caller.
“I have to go with Arch Manning here,” Fornelli said. “Sam Leavitt’s health has been a question for him. He was not able to stay on the field last year, and I just think, Arch Manning, again, there’s so much hype surrounding him that it feels like it’s impossible for him to ever live up to it, based on the rating and based on his last name.
“But the fact of the matter is, Arch Manning was one of the best quarterbacks in the country last season. And as the season progressed, and as we got towards the end of the year, he was playing at an elite level. Now he’s got Cam Coleman to throw to. I think he’s going to continue playing at an elite level.”
“He does everything (Sam) Leavitt does, just a little bit better.” — @BudElliott3 on Arch Manning 👀
Manning moves into the final of the @Cover3Podcast SEC QB Bracket 📺 Cover 3 Takeover on @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/jA98u6NuIx — CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 12, 2026
That’s obviously a good thing for Manning to be picked over Leavitt, who entered the 2025 season at the helm of the reigning Big 12 champions at Arizona State. Leavitt also had 5 rushing touchdowns in each of the past two seasons and showed his mobility before the injury last season, helping the Sun Devils to a 26-22 win against Texas Tech.
However, Manning still weighs more, and even co-host Bud Elliott picked the Texas QB over Leavitt in a bold take.
“He does everything Leavitt does, just a little bit better,” Elliott said.
Texas will face one of the nation’s toughest schedules in 2026, giving Manning plenty of opportunities to strengthen his Heisman case.
Besides Manning’s on-field production, he has also taken on a larger leadership role, with head coach Steve Sarkisian identifying Manning, defensive end Colin Simmons, and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby as key returning locker-room leaders for the Longhorns.
