The name Manning carries a lot of weight in football circles, but apparently not enough to land Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning a spot in ESPN’s 2025 Top-10 College QB Rankings. Despite his pedigree and promising performances, Manning was left off the list, sparking debate among analysts and fans.
Many expected Manning to be among the top quarterbacks heading into next season, given his talent and potential. Yet, the rankings, compiled by ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, prioritized quarterbacks with extensive starting experience, leaving the Longhorns’ future signal-caller out.
Arch Manning’s Stats Tell a Different Story
While Manning has yet to take the reins as Texas’ full-time starter, his numbers from last season suggest he’s more than capable of competing at an elite level. In 10 appearances, he completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He also showcased his mobility, adding 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Critics argue that Manning’s limited playing time kept him off the rankings, but supporters believe his efficiency and skill set should have earned him a spot. His ability to extend plays, make throws on the move, and handle pressure has drawn comparisons to his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning.
The snub was widely discussed on social media, with On3 Sports pointing out his exclusion from the rankings in a tweet that quickly gained traction among college football fans.
NEW: Top 10 College Football QBs via @GregMcElroy🎯
Do you agree? 🤔https://t.co/eSlPmKTfkJ pic.twitter.com/4gbvcMoL5l
— On3 (@On3sports) April 28, 2025
Why Was Arch Manning Left Off the List?
McElroy defended the decision by citing Manning’s lack of experience as a full-time starter. He emphasized that his rankings prioritize quarterbacks who have consistently performed against top-tier competition.
“It’s very hard for me to justify putting a first-year starter ahead of guys that have actually done it when the bullets are flying,” McElroy explained.
Instead, his top 10 featured quarterbacks like Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Oklahoma’s John Mateer — players with extensive starting experience and strong statistical résumés. Manning, meanwhile, was listed as an honorable mention alongside SMU’s Kevin Jennings and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.
ESPN College Football addressed the rankings in a recent YouTube video, further fueling discussion on why Manning was not included. Many fans voiced their frustrations, arguing that his ceiling is too high for him to be overlooked.
The Debate Continues
Despite McElroy’s reasoning, many believe Manning’s talent alone should have secured him a spot in the rankings. His arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ make him one of the most intriguing prospects in college football.
With Quinn Ewers now in the NFL, Manning is set to take over as Texas’ starter, giving him the perfect opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. If he delivers on expectations, his absence from ESPN’s rankings may soon look like a glaring oversight.