In the world of college football, first impressions can often overshadow a player’s long-term potential. This sentiment rings especially true for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who is urging fans and analysts alike to exercise patience with freshman quarterback Arch Manning. Manning, the highly-touted grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton, made his debut as the starting quarterback for the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns this past Saturday, marking the beginning of the 2025 season.
Despite the immense hype surrounding his first start, Manning's performance left much to be desired. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, accompanied by one touchdown and one interception. This initial outing was considered underwhelming, especially given the soaring expectations for Manning, who has been touted as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and a future No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
In the aftermath of the Longhorns' 14-7 loss to Ohio State, Sarkisian offered a measured response to Manning's performance, reminding everyone to consider the bigger picture. "For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside. I’d say let’s finish the book before we judge him. That’s one chapter," the coach stated. His comments highlight the importance of allowing Manning to grow and develop as a quarterback throughout the season, rather than relying solely on his debut performance.
Prior to Manning's debut, the pressure on him was palpable. After waiting two years for his opportunity to start at Texas, resisting the temptations of the transfer portal, Manning played a pivotal role in elevating Texas to its first-ever preseason No. 1 ranking. This history of football excellence in his family undoubtedly contributed to the lofty expectations placed upon him.
As the Longhorns prepare for their next games against San Jose State and UTEP, there is optimism that Manning will perform better against what are considered lighter opponents. Sarkisian commented on the flashes of potential he observed during the game, emphasizing, "He started really playing and we saw some flashes and glimpses of the guy he is. There’s a lot to hold onto on what the future is going to look like here for Arch Manning.”
With the 2025 season still in its infancy, both fans and analysts are encouraged to keep an open mind about Manning's development as he navigates the challenges of being a starting quarterback at Texas. As the season progresses, there will be plenty of opportunities for Manning to showcase his skills and prove that he can live up to the family legacy.
