Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian Makes Something Clear About Arch Manning Ahead of 2025 NCAAF Season
As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on the Texas Longhorns and their highly anticipated freshman quarterback, Arch Manning. With the Manning family legacy casting a long shadow over the football world, Arch’s debut at Texas is one of the most talked-about storylines in college football. However, as expectations mount for the young star, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has made something very clear about Manning’s role on the team moving forward.
Sarkisian’s Clear Message to the Media and Fans
In a recent press conference, Steve Sarkisian was asked about Arch Manning’s progression and how he fits into the team’s plans for 2025. While Manning has long been considered one of the most talented quarterback prospects in recent memory, Sarkisian stressed that the freshman is far from being handed the starting job. Instead, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of competition, growth, and patience in the quarterback position.
“Arch is a talented kid, there’s no question about that,” Sarkisian said. “But we’re not going to rush him into anything. He’s got to earn his role just like every other player on this team. I’ve got a lot of faith in Arch, but right now, we’re focusing on development. The depth chart is open, and it’s up to him to show he’s ready for the challenge.”
This clear message from Sarkisian is both a call for realism and a reminder of how the Longhorns approach their quarterback position. With the pressure of being a Manning on his shoulders, Arch will need to prove that he can perform at the highest level of college football, and that includes competing against other quarterbacks on the roster who are equally hungry for playing time.
Arch Manning’s College Journey: A Legacy to Uphold
Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas has been years in the making. The son of Cooper Manning and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s lineage has made him a focal point of college football recruiting for some time. After an exceptional high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Manning became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class.
Despite his family’s extensive football legacy, Arch has been careful to carve out his own path. His high school career featured standout performances in both passing yards and touchdowns, with a calm, collected demeanor that drew comparisons to his uncles Peyton and Eli. However, Sarkisian’s message reinforces the reality that Manning’s transition to college football is a process. It is important to remember that the pressure of living up to a legacy can sometimes be overwhelming, but Sarkisian is determined to give Manning the space to develop and succeed on his own terms.
While there’s no denying the excitement surrounding Manning’s potential, Sarkisian has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. Under his tutelage, quarterbacks like Mac Jones (Alabama) and C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) have flourished into top NFL prospects, and Sarkisian is confident he can do the same for Manning, but only after giving him time to learn and grow in a competitive environment.
Competition at Quarterback: Who Will Lead the Longhorns?
For Sarkisian, the quarterback battle at Texas will be one of the most important storylines heading into 2025. With Quinn Ewers returning for his senior season and Manning arriving as a top-tier recruit, the Longhorns have a significant decision to make regarding their starting quarterback.
Ewers, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, is entering his final year at Texas and has an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the program. His experience in the Big 12 and familiarity with Sarkisian’s system makes him a strong contender for the starting job. However, Sarkisian has consistently emphasized that competition is crucial, and no player, regardless of their pedigree or experience, is guaranteed a starting role.
“Quinn has shown great strides,” Sarkisian noted, “but we’re not going to hand anyone anything. It’s going to be a battle for the job, and we want the best player to emerge from the competition.”
The presence of Manning on the roster adds another layer to this competition. While Manning may be seen as the future of Texas football, Sarkisian has made it clear that future success does not guarantee immediate playing time. Arch will need to prove his readiness in practices and, if given the chance, in the games themselves.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how the quarterback competition unfolds. The battle between Ewers and Manning will undoubtedly be a central storyline in the spring and summer months leading up to the season opener.
Developing the Quarterback Room
One of the reasons Sarkisian’s message about Arch Manning’s development is so significant is his commitment to fostering an environment of competition. While Manning may be the future face of the Texas Longhorns, Sarkisian has always prided himself on creating a competitive and merit-based environment in his quarterback room.
“I want every quarterback to feel like they have the chance to start,” Sarkisian said. “The goal is to push each other and grow as a unit. If we’re going to succeed as a team, we need depth at quarterback, and we need every guy in the room to be prepared when their number is called.”
Sarkisian’s approach gives all quarterbacks on the roster the chance to prove themselves, including Maalik Murphy, a talented backup who has shown potential in limited action. The quarterback competition is not limited to just Ewers and Manning; it’s a chance for every player to earn their spot.
This competitive atmosphere will not only benefit the quarterbacks but the entire team. The pressure to perform will push players to improve, and the overall strength of the quarterback position will give Texas the best chance for success in the coming season.
Longhorns’ Championship Aspirations
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Texas enters the year with high expectations. The Longhorns have the talent, coaching staff, and resources to contend for a Big 12 title and potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff. However, much of their success will depend on how well the quarterback position is handled.
With the combination of experience and youth at quarterback, Sarkisian’s decision to make sure that Manning earns his spot is likely a strategy that will pay off in the long term. The Longhorns are building for sustained success, not just short-term results, and Sarkisian’s leadership will be key in helping this talented group of players develop and find their stride
Steve Sarkisian’s comments about Arch Manning make one thing very clear: While Arch’s legacy and potential are undeniable, there are no shortcuts to success. Manning will have to earn his place on the field, just like every other player, and Sarkisian will continue to cultivate an environment where every quarterback on the roster is given the chance to compete for the starting job.
As Arch Manning prepares to enter his freshman year at Texas, he does so with the weight of a football dynasty on his shoulders. But with Sarkisian at the helm, Manning has the opportunity to develop at his own pace, learn from the best, and contribute to a team with championship aspirations. The future of Texas football may be in his hands, but how and when Manning takes on that role will be determined by his development, his competition, and his ability to rise to the challenge.
In the end, the 2025 season could mark the beginning of a new era for the Texas Longhorns, with Arch Manning leading the way—but only after proving himself worthy of the opportunity.