After showing glimpses of brilliance toward the second half of the 2025 season, the Arch Manning hype is brewing. As a result, he is emerging as one of the early Heisman favorites. However, it seems he might be behind the pack instead of leading it.
Amanda Atwell’s Honest Take on Arch Manning’s Heisman Chances
Appearing in a conversation on “That SEC Podcast,” analyst Amanda Atwell provided a sobering reality check for those ready to hand Manning the trophy. Despite his undeniable pedigree, Atwell pointed to fundamental flaws and stiff competition that suggest the Texas signal-caller has significant ground to make up.
“I think you can consider him among the favorites,” Atwell noted, “but I wouldn’t put him as the favorite quite yet. There are still some accuracy issues that I want to see improve.”
It isn’t just about hitting the target; it’s about the catchability of the ball. In a critique that will certainly ring bells for Texas receivers, Atwell added: “Not even just accuracy, just drilling the ball at your receiver to where they can’t really catch it easily. I want to see that improve in this next season.”
While Manning struggles with finesse, Trinidad Chambliss has quietly become the gold standard for the 2026 race. The comparison between the two quarterbacks reveals why Atwell and other insiders are pivoting toward the veteran over the phenom.
“But I do think he has a talent level that you can put up there with contending for a Heisman. But yeah, I think I would still have like Trinidad Chambliss over him. I don’t know about maybe Dante Moore. I think you can consider him up there, but there are some improvements that I definitely need to see,” Atwell added.
While Manning has demonstrated flashes of brilliance with 26 passing touchdowns and significant rushing upside, he remains hampered by heavy ball tendencies and accuracy issues that analysts like Atwell believe could prove fatal in high-stakes moments.
Chambliss, the reigning SEC Newcomer of the Year and PFSN CFB QB Impact’s fifth-ranked QB of the 2025 season, offers a much higher floor. He posted nearly 4,000 passing yards and a clinical 66.1% completion rate, proving he can manage a championship-caliber offense with more poise than the young Texas signal-caller.
In addition, the schedule makers haven’t done Manning any favors, either. To win a Heisman, you need Heisman moments, but you also have to survive Heisman killers. For Manning, that test comes earlier than anyone expected.
Texas may not open against a powerhouse, but the grace period is non-existent. “You’ll learn quickly how he looks in game two this year,” Atwell warned. “You don’t lead off with Ohio State, but it’s game two of the season.”
So, it remains to be seen how Manning manages to improve and stake his claim on the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
