Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has officially named Arch Manning as the new QB1.
Since his commitment, excitement has steadily built in Austin, with fans eager to see him lead the program into its next chapter. Carrying one of football’s most iconic last names, Manning has been in the spotlight long before his first collegiate snap.
Now, the stage is finally set.
Steve Sarkisian’s Vision for Arch Manning as QB1 Finally Realized
Ever since Manning, a top recruit in the Class of 2023, committed to Texas, the question was never if he would start, only when. Players of his pedigree, especially those from football royalty, rarely wait their turn.
Many were surprised when Manning spent his first two seasons behind the scenes, backing up fellow elite prospect Quinn Ewers. With the transfer portal wide open and no shortage of suitors, he easily could have charted a different course. Instead, Manning chose patience over pressure.
That decision is set to pay off in 2025.
Appearing on “ESPN College Football” on June 26, Sarkisian joined Greg McElroy to discuss the Longhorns’ outlook and Manning’s development. Sarkisian praised the young QB’s development and declared him ready to lead.
“He’s grown exponentially, not only on the football field but as a leader, as a person. I think he’s ready to play now, and play at a high level,” Sarkisian said.
“…He’s earned the respect of his teammates. They know he’s not playing because of the name on the back of his jersey. He’s going to be our starting quarterback because he’s earned it, and he’s ready to play.”
Don’t be shocked that Manning chose to stay the course at Texas; it’s a trait that runs in the Manning bloodline. Peyton Manning famously passed on the 1997 NFL Draft to play one more year at Tennessee, and he went No. 1 overall in 1998. Eli Manning also waited three years before starting at Ole Miss, where he sharpened his skills over five full seasons.
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Manning enters the 2025 season with high expectations. With Texas projected as a frontrunner for the national title, he’s also firmly in the conversation as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.
Although he saw little action during the 2023 campaign, he logged a few appearances in 2024 and made the most of them. He racked up 939 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and just two interceptions, completing 67.8% of his throws. He also added 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
As the buzz around Manning grows, so does the belief in what Texas could accomplish this year.
