New Report Indicates That the Texas Longhorns Plan to Do QB Arch Manning a Big Favor Before the Start of the 2025 Season

As the 2025 college football season approaches, a major storyline that has been brewing in Austin, Texas, is the development of one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent memory, Arch Manning. The young quarterback, who is the grandson of legendary NFL quarterback Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, has been under an intense microscope since his arrival at the University of Texas. His commitment to the Longhorns was heralded as a game-changer for the program, with fans, analysts, and coaches alike eager to see how he would fare under the weight of such enormous expectations.

However, the road to success in college football is never linear, and the pressure on Manning to immediately live up to his family’s legacy has been immense. Manning’s arrival in Austin has sparked endless debate over how quickly he should be thrust into the starting role, with many questioning whether he should be given time to develop behind a veteran quarterback. Recent reports, however, indicate that the Texas Longhorns coaching staff plans to do something significant for Manning before the 2025 season begins — a move that could dramatically shape his future in Austin and beyond.

This article delves into the new report surrounding Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns’ plan to give the talented quarterback a unique opportunity before the start of the 2025 season. We’ll examine what this development means for Manning’s growth as a player, the Longhorns’ quarterback situation, and how this decision might impact the future of the Texas football program.

The Weight of Expectations on Arch Manning

Arch Manning’s recruitment was nothing short of a spectacle. As the top-rated quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, Manning’s high school career was widely followed, and his commitment to Texas created a ripple effect across the college football landscape. His family name — Manning — carries immense weight in the football world, and with it comes the expectation of greatness. This has put Manning under a level of pressure that very few college athletes ever experience.

While Manning’s physical tools — a powerful arm, excellent footwork, and natural poise in the pocket — have been widely praised, the challenge ahead of him remains daunting. College football, particularly in a high-pressure program like Texas, is vastly different from high school ball. The speed of the game, the complexity of the schemes, and the strength and agility of the competition are all factors that Manning will need time to adjust to.

At the same time, Texas is in a period of transition. The Longhorns have struggled to consistently return to national prominence after their 2005 national championship, and the addition of Manning brought a glimmer of hope that he could be the player to turn things around. However, Texas fans and coaches alike know that throwing Manning into the starting role too early could stymie his growth and set him back, particularly given the high expectations surrounding his development.

The Big Favor: A Plan to Help Arch Manning

According to recent reports, the Texas Longhorns coaching staff is planning to do something for Arch Manning that has the potential to drastically help his development as he prepares for the 2025 season. Sources close to the program suggest that Manning will be given a valuable opportunity to adjust to college football — not by being immediately thrust into a starting role, but by being afforded a different path that will allow him to develop with minimal pressure.

While the details of the plan are still being finalized, the general consensus from reports indicates that Manning will be given time to focus on learning the offensive system, improving his technical skills, and getting acclimated to the speed of the game. This would allow Manning to sit behind a veteran quarterback, possibly even one with starting experience, for at least the early part of the 2025 season. The intention is to give Manning the opportunity to grow in practice and build confidence, without immediately facing the immense pressure of being Texas’ starting quarterback in an ultra-competitive Big 12 conference.

Why This Strategy Makes Sense

The decision to take a patient approach with Arch Manning is a clear strategy that could benefit both the young quarterback and the Texas Longhorns program. Here’s why this plan makes sense:

1. Development Over Immediate Stardom

One of the main benefits of this approach is that it gives Manning the chance to develop at his own pace. While Manning’s talent is undeniable, he is still a young player who will need time to adjust to the rigors of college football. A year or more of sitting behind a veteran quarterback could allow him to fine-tune his mechanics, better understand defensive schemes, and improve his overall football IQ.

This development strategy is not a sign of failure or a lack of confidence in Manning’s abilities. In fact, it’s a sign of smart, long-term planning. College football is a marathon, not a sprint, and putting Manning in a position to succeed in the future — rather than forcing him to take on the pressure of immediate stardom — will ultimately benefit the Longhorns in the long run.

2. Allowing Manning to Build Confidence

The pressure on Arch Manning to succeed from day one is immense. By allowing him to sit behind a veteran quarterback — possibly someone like Quinn Ewers or another seasoned player — Manning would have the chance to learn from someone with experience, all while allowing him to gradually build his confidence in a less stressful environment.

With less pressure to perform in front of thousands of fans and national TV audiences, Manning can focus solely on improving his craft. This is crucial for a young quarterback who is still learning how to read defenses, make quick decisions, and adjust to the speed of the game. Manning’s confidence will grow as he gets more comfortable in his role, and when it’s time for him to step onto the field, he will be more prepared and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

3. The Importance of the Quarterback Room

A key aspect of this strategy is how it impacts the overall quarterback room at Texas. By allowing Manning to learn from a more experienced player, the Longhorns can foster a healthy, competitive atmosphere in the quarterback room. This would provide Manning with the chance to be mentored and challenged by someone who has been through the ups and downs of college football.

The veteran quarterback would have the opportunity to pass down invaluable knowledge, from pre-game preparations to in-game adjustments. Additionally, having a veteran in the room would allow Manning to ease into the starting role whenever he’s ready, without being rushed into action before he is fully prepared.

4. Long-Term Success Over Short-Term Results

Texas has a long-term vision for its football program, and giving Manning the time and resources to succeed will pay off down the road. College football programs can sometimes be overly focused on short-term results, but for Texas, the goal is to build sustained success. Taking a more measured approach to Manning’s development now could lead to a more successful and stable tenure as Texas’ starting quarterback in the future.

As the Longhorns look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, the coaching staff is likely thinking beyond just one season. They are planning for the long-term success of the program, and that means developing Manning in a way that maximizes his potential while also ensuring that the team remains competitive.

What This Means for the Texas Quarterback Room

With the news of this potential plan to help Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback room could undergo some important changes before the 2025 season. It’s possible that the Longhorns’ coaching staff will look to a veteran quarterback, such as Quinn Ewers, to hold down the starting role while Manning continues his development. Ewers, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced challenges, could serve as the ideal mentor for Manning, providing both leadership and a steady presence in the quarterback room.

Alternatively, the Longhorns may choose to rotate quarterbacks in the early part of the 2025 season, giving Manning the opportunity to play sparingly while continuing to learn. Regardless of the approach, the goal will be clear: to ensure that Manning is fully prepared when the time comes for him to take over as the starting quarterback.