As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with Arch Manning poised to take the helm as the starting quarterback. This transition has ignited discussions among analysts and fans alike about Texas’s prospects in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Notably, ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has weighed in, suggesting that with Manning under center, it’s “very likely” that Texas will make a significant impact in the CFP.
Arch Manning’s Ascendancy
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has been a focal point of college football since his high school days. His commitment to Texas was heralded as a transformative moment for the program. After serving as a backup to Quinn Ewers in the 2024 season, where he showcased glimpses of his potential, Manning is now set to lead the Longhorns. In his limited appearances last season, he accumulated 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and added four rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. New York Post+6The Sun+6Talksport+6AS.com
Greg McElroy’s Perspective
Greg McElroy, who led Alabama to a national championship in 2010, has been vocal about Manning’s potential impact on Texas’s fortunes. In a recent analysis, McElroy emphasized the significance of Manning’s role, stating, “This means Arch Manning… will backup Quinn Ewers for the semifinal game and for Texas, what their fans are hoping for, potentially a national championship.” He further highlighted the weight of expectations placed upon Manning, given his family’s storied legacy, and the anticipation that he could be the next great American quarterback. Sports IllustratedAthlon SportsOn3
The Weight of Legacy
The Manning name carries a legacy of quarterback excellence, and Arch is acutely aware of the expectations that come with it. McElroy pointed out the “heavy burden” Manning bears, noting that fans and analysts often project the successes of his uncles onto him. “Look, Arch has a heavy burden. Let’s just acknowledge. Because I think us as American sports fans, we acknowledge, we see the last name Manning, and we think he’s the next great American quarterback,” McElroy remarked. The Info HubMike’s Sports+3On3+3On3+3
Heisman Hype
The buzz surrounding Manning isn’t limited to team success; individual accolades are also in the conversation. As spring practices commence, Manning has emerged as a frontrunner for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. ESPN BET oddsmakers have set his odds at +700, positioning him ahead of other notable quarterbacks. This early favoritism underscores the high expectations placed on Manning to not only lead Texas to the CFP but also to excel individually. New York Post
Texas’s Path Forward
The Longhorns’ journey to the CFP will undoubtedly be challenging. The team faces a rigorous schedule, including matchups against formidable opponents such as Florida and Georgia. However, with Manning at the helm and a strong supporting cast, Texas is poised to navigate these challenges. The program’s recent recruiting successes and the infusion of young talent further bolster their prospects. McElroy’s insights suggest that with Manning’s leadership, Texas has a “very likely” chance to make a deep run in the CFP.LMT Online+1Athlon Sports+1LMT Online+1New York Post
The 2025 season stands as a defining moment for the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning. With the weight of legacy, high expectations, and the guidance of experienced analysts like Greg McElroy, all eyes will be on Austin to see if Manning can lead Texas back to national prominence. As the season unfolds, the intersection of talent, preparation, and opportunity will determine if the Longhorns can fulfill the lofty predictions and secure their spot in the College Football Playoff.