Texas quarterback Arch Manning is stepping into his first season as a starter with big goals and even bigger inspiration. After two years behind Quinn Ewers, the 21-year-old is studying tapes of two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks to sharpen his game.
Manning says their college tape offers lessons he hopes to apply as he leads Texas into SEC competition and playoff contention. But with high expectations and a famous last name, he will have to prove he can turn study into results on the field.
Arch Manning Studies NFL Stars Josh Allen and Joe Burrow to Elevate His Game and Drive On-Field Success
Manning is sharpening his game by learning from two of the NFL’s best.
In an X post shared by sports reporter Cory Mose, Manning said he’s been diving into the college tapes of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. He admires how both handled pressures, made plays on the move, and led with confidence, qualities he is working to add to his own skill set.
“I’m watching a lot of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow right now. Those are my guys,” Manning said, explaining how their college success is helping shape his approach heading into the season.
Manning is entering his third season at Texas, but his first as the full-time starter. He spent two years behind Quinn Ewers, choosing not to transfer despite getting limited playing time. With Ewers headed to the NFL, the 21-year-old takes over a Texas team that just moved into the SEC and carries high playoff expectations.
By watching Allen and Burrow, Manning says he is focusing on decision-making under pressure and pocket awareness, as well as how both quarterbacks managed offensive rhythm against fast defenses. Both players developed into top NFL passers after refining their skills during their final college years.
I asked Arch Manning who he models his game after, he named two pros…
“I’m watching a lot of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow right now. Those are my guys”
He went on to say he’s been watching their tape from college recently @davideckert98 with the follow up question#HookEm |… pic.twitter.com/j1eGx0AvEJ
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) June 27, 2025
While Burrow played quarterback for Louisiana State University (LSU) and Allen played for the Wyoming Cowboys. Manning believes there are lessons to be learned from how they adjusted their game in real time and built confidence through repetition.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning for his maturity and work ethic during his time as a backup. In an interview with ESPN’s Greg McElroy, Sarkisian said Manning showed up every day with the right mindset and supported his teammates without hesitation.
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He described him as someone who “worked really hard” and who stayed focused only to deliver when given the chance. Sarkisian noted that Manning “wanted to play more than he played” in Year 2. However, he remained patient as he “knew his role on that team” and earned respect eventually through consistent effort.
Manning enters the year with limited experience as he made only 90 passes last season. His performance against Mississippi State gave a glimpse of what he can do when in tempo, where he completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.
Manning’s ability to translate what he’s learned from watching Allen and Burrow into steady on-field performance will be key as Texas navigates its first SEC season. His growth this year will not only influence the Longhorns’ playoff hopes but also shape how scouts evaluate his potential at the next level.
