How Arch Manning Has Been Prepping to Take Over as Texas Football Starting QB
As one of the most anticipated quarterbacks to ever enter college football, Arch Manning has carried with him a legacy, expectations, and pressure that few can relate to. The grandson of Archie Manning, nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, Arch has been a football prodigy since his early teenage years. After committing to the University of Texas in 2023, the young signal-caller from New Orleans, Louisiana, has been preparing to take over as the next starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025, stepping into a program on the rise under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The Longhorns, coming off a strong 2024 campaign, are looking for a leader to continue their push toward a national championship, and Arch Manning’s development is central to those aspirations. While there is always an immense amount of scrutiny that accompanies such a high-profile recruit, Arch has worked tirelessly to hone his skills and make sure he’s ready to handle the pressure of being the next Texas quarterback. So, how has he been preparing? What steps has Manning taken to ensure his transition to college football is seamless, and how is he working to cement his legacy as the successor to the likes of Sam Ehlinger and Quinn Ewers?
This article will explore the various ways Arch Manning has been preparing to take over as Texas’ starting quarterback, from his on-field development to his mental preparation, and how he is adjusting to life at Texas.
1. Developing Technical Skills: Mastering the Fundamentals
First and foremost, preparation for a role as significant as the starting quarterback for a storied program like Texas requires a strong foundation in the technical aspects of the game. Arch Manning, despite being a highly touted recruit, recognized the importance of refining his craft and working on his weaknesses to ensure he could succeed at the collegiate level.
Footwork and Pocket Awareness
One of the most critical aspects of a quarterback’s development is footwork, and Arch Manning has dedicated a significant amount of time to improving his mechanics. Manning’s footwork, while already highly advanced compared to many of his peers, has been a focal point in his training regimen. Learning to move fluidly within the pocket, making quick and precise drops, and maintaining balance under pressure is essential for any quarterback, but it is especially vital for Manning due to his height. At 6’4″, Manning has the size to make throws from the pocket, but ensuring he can maneuver quickly and efficiently is crucial for his long-term success.
His ability to maintain pocket presence under duress has been one of his standout traits in high school, and he’s working tirelessly to maintain that same calmness while adjusting to the faster-paced college game. Manning’s work with personal trainers and former quarterbacks has been geared toward improving his footwork, which will allow him to quickly evade pressure while maintaining his mechanics and delivering accurate throws.
Arm Strength and Mechanics
Manning has also been focused on improving his arm strength and throwing mechanics, aiming to increase both his velocity and accuracy. His natural arm talent has never been questioned, but Manning is working to maximize his throwing velocity while improving his timing and touch on deep passes. As the game speeds up in college, quarterbacks need to get the ball out quicker while still making precise throws. Manning has spent hours working with QB coaches to fine-tune his mechanics, ensuring that he doesn’t just rely on his raw ability but also incorporates fluid motion and consistency into his throws.
Another area of emphasis has been his release time and throwing motion. Manning’s ability to get the ball out quickly without sacrificing accuracy is paramount, as college defenses are often faster and more aggressive than what he faced in high school. Manning’s work with his personal coaching staff has been geared toward quickening his release, allowing him to make quicker decisions and keep the defense off balance.
2. Mental Preparation: Building the Mindset of a Leader
While physical tools are crucial, a quarterback’s mental preparation is just as important, if not more so, especially when you’re stepping into the shoes of a high-profile program like Texas. Arch Manning’s ability to process the game, read defenses, and maintain a strong mental game is what will set him apart as he matures into the role of Texas’ starting quarterback.
Film Study and Understanding Defenses
Manning has always been described as an intelligent football player with a high football IQ, and his commitment to film study has only increased since his arrival at Texas. Much of Manning’s early development has been spent understanding the complexities of college football defenses, breaking down film, and learning how to exploit defensive weaknesses. One of the primary reasons for his success at the high school level was his ability to quickly identify coverages, anticipate defensive schemes, and adjust his play accordingly.
At Texas, he’s continued to immerse himself in film study, learning not just about his opponents but also about how his offensive system under Sarkisian works and how he can exploit defenses within that framework. This mental preparation has helped Manning prepare for the nuances of the college game, where defensive schemes can be much more complex and varied than what he faced in high school.
Manning also works closely with Texas’ offensive coordinator and other coaching staff to deepen his understanding of the playbook. Familiarizing himself with every facet of Sarkisian’s offense, from RPOs (run-pass options) to play-action and pre-snap reads, has been a significant part of his journey. Sarkisian, who has developed successful quarterbacks such as Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones at Alabama, has worked closely with Manning to ensure he understands both the technical and strategic components of the offense.
Leadership and Accountability
Arch Manning comes from a family that has long been synonymous with leadership in the world of football. With Peyton and Eli Manning both Super Bowl champions, the expectations for leadership and poise under pressure are understandably high. Manning’s ability to lead the Texas offense and command respect from his teammates will be crucial in determining his success.
Throughout his first year at Texas, Manning has focused on growing into the leadership role that comes with being the starting quarterback for a program of Texas’ stature. This has meant spending extra time with his offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs, developing relationships that go beyond just football. Leadership is about trust, and Manning knows that his ability to connect with his teammates and lead by example will be key in creating a cohesive and effective unit.
He’s also been focused on building confidence in his teammates, pushing them to perform at a higher level and making sure that they trust him to make the right decisions when it matters. Manning’s charisma, confidence, and willingness to learn have made him a respected figure in the locker room, and that respect has helped him grow into a leader even before taking the starting job.
3. Adjusting to College Life and College Football
Adjusting to college life isn’t easy for any freshman, especially one who has grown up with the media spotlight on him. However, Manning has handled the transition well, using his family background to keep things in perspective. While many of his peers have been overwhelmed by the pressures of the college football world, Manning has shown maturity beyond his years, staying grounded and focused on his goals.
Balancing the Spotlight with Personal Growth
As the Manning family’s heir apparent, Arch has been under intense media scrutiny since he first committed to Texas. The pressure to live up to the Manning legacy is immense, but Arch has kept his cool. He continues to lean on his family for advice and perspective, especially from his uncles Peyton and Eli, both of whom have offered invaluable insight into how to handle the pressures of playing quarterback at the highest level.
Manning also remains focused on developing relationships with his coaches, mentors, and teammates. He’s made a conscious effort to be approachable and humble, understanding that the true development of a quarterback goes beyond just football knowledge — it’s about becoming a complete leader both on and off the field.
4. Improving Physical Conditioning
In addition to the technical and mental aspects of his game, Arch Manning has been working diligently on improving his physical conditioning. As college football grows more physical, quarterbacks are often required to be in top shape to handle the demands of a 12-game season. Manning has been training year-round, focusing on strength, agility, and endurance to ensure he can last through the physical grind of a college season.
His conditioning routine has been specifically tailored to ensure that he’s not only able to take hits but can also maintain his agility in the pocket. Manning’s strength coach has worked closely with him to build both upper body and core strength, ensuring that his frame can handle the punishment that comes with being a college quarterback. By maintaining peak physical fitness, Manning ensures that he will be prepared to endure the challenges that lie ahead in the competitive landscape of college football.