According to an analyst, Steve Sarkisian and Texas aren’t helping Arch Manning.

Arch Manning, one of the most hyped college football recruits in recent years, is now part of the Texas Longhorns program. As the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has been under the microscope since the moment he committed to Texas in 2023. Fans, analysts, and coaches alike have expected great things from the young quarterback, but an interesting critique has emerged: some analysts argue that Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff are not doing enough to help Arch Manning’s development. But is this critique fair? Are the Longhorns really failing Arch Manning, or are there deeper issues at play?

The Weight of Expectations: Arch Manning’s Legacy

Arch Manning was never going to fly under the radar. With his pedigree and the impressive accolades that followed him from high school, he has become one of the most highly scrutinized quarterbacks in recent memory. Manning’s commitment to Texas was hailed as a major win for the program. Texas, under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, had finally landed a generational talent at quarterback—someone who could take the Longhorns back to national prominence.

However, college football is a brutal environment, especially for quarterbacks. The pressure to succeed is immense, and many players—no matter their talent—struggle to live up to lofty expectations. So far, Arch Manning’s time at Texas has been marked by some growing pains, leading to questions about how effectively the coaching staff is developing him.

Steve Sarkisian’s Offensive System

Steve Sarkisian, the head coach at Texas, has built his reputation as a creative offensive mind. Known for his time as offensive coordinator at Alabama and USC, Sarkisian has incorporated many high-powered, pass-heavy concepts into his offense. At Texas, Sarkisian’s system emphasizes versatility, balance, and a high level of execution from the quarterback.

The challenge, however, is that Sarkisian’s offense is intricate, with deep passing routes, complicated reads, and a reliance on precise timing between the quarterback and the receivers. This can be a lot for a freshman quarterback to absorb, especially one who hasn’t yet had the benefit of extensive experience in a college football environment. Critics argue that this system may not be the most suitable for a young quarterback like Arch Manning, who may benefit more from a simplified offense that allows him to build confidence and rhythm early in his career.

Manning’s adjustment to this system has been far from seamless, with his development being stunted by the complexity of the plays. While Sarkisian’s offense can undoubtedly lead to explosive results, it has been inconsistent in terms of translating potential into consistent performance. For a freshman like Manning, this can be particularly problematic.

Inconsistent Offensive Line Play

Another factor affecting Arch Manning’s development is the performance of Texas’ offensive line. Quarterbacks, especially young ones, rely on solid protection to thrive, and Manning has yet to enjoy consistently great offensive line play. A shaky offensive line can lead to erratic quarterback performance, as it forces quarterbacks to rush throws, take unnecessary hits, and lose confidence in their decision-making.

In 2023, Texas struggled with offensive line consistency, which resulted in Manning having less time to go through his progressions and make accurate throws. A quarterback with Manning’s potential can only develop so far if he is constantly pressured and unable to execute the game plan. This lack of protection is a significant factor in why some analysts believe Texas isn’t doing enough to help Manning grow.

The Quarterback Competition: Quinn Ewers vs. Arch Manning

Arch Manning’s development has also been affected by the competition for the starting quarterback role. In the 2023 season, Manning found himself in direct competition with Quinn Ewers, another highly regarded quarterback prospect. Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State, was expected to be the starter and has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also struggled with consistency.

Ewers’ uneven play has kept the door open for Manning to see action, but it has also complicated the situation. Sarkisian, while willing to rotate quarterbacks and give Manning some snaps, has opted to stick with Ewers as the primary starter. Critics argue that Sarkisian’s reluctance to commit to Manning and give him more reps may be holding back the younger quarterback’s development. At the same time, others believe that it is important to stick with Ewers as he is more experienced and provides Texas with the best chance to win in the short term.

This quarterback battle has made it difficult for Manning to establish himself and gain the necessary experience to accelerate his growth. If the Longhorns are continually uncertain about who should be the starting quarterback, it can stymie the development of both players, especially Manning, who is still adjusting to college football.

What Texas Can Do to Help Arch Manning

For Arch Manning to reach his full potential, several adjustments need to be made by both the coaching staff and the program as a whole.

1. More Game Experience: Manning, as a freshman, needs more playing time to adjust to the speed and physicality of college football. While there is value in preserving his redshirt year, Manning could benefit from taking more snaps in live-game situations. This will allow him to learn from real-world experience, something that can’t be replicated in practice.
2. Better Offensive Line Play: Texas must find ways to improve its offensive line. Protecting Manning, and all quarterbacks for that matter, is essential for success. If Manning is constantly under pressure, it will be difficult for him to progress as a quarterback. A strong, consistent offensive line would provide him with the time and confidence he needs to make plays.
3. Simplifying the Offense: While Sarkisian’s system is undoubtedly dynamic, it may be too complex for a young quarterback to fully grasp in his first year. A more simplified, tailored offensive scheme that focuses on Manning’s strengths could help him develop more quickly. By gradually increasing the complexity of the system as he matures, Manning could become more comfortable and confident in executing Sarkisian’s playbook.
4. Commitment to Manning’s Development: Sarkisian has to make a clearer commitment to Manning’s development, whether that involves more consistent practice reps, early-game action, or ensuring that Manning has the tools to succeed. If the coaching staff is constantly shifting between quarterbacks and failing to settle on one for any period, it can disrupt Manning’s rhythm and progress.

 Are Sarkisian and Texas Helping Arch Manning?

While it is easy to blame Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff for not helping Arch Manning, the reality is that the development of a quarterback is a complex process. There are a number of factors at play, from system compatibility and offensive line issues to the ongoing quarterback competition. While there are valid criticisms of Sarkisian’s handling of Manning’s development, it’s important to acknowledge that growing pains are a natural part of a young quarterback’s journey.

Texas is still in the process of building a competitive, well-rounded team around Manning, and that includes both offensive line improvements and the maturation of other skill positions. However, it is also clear that Manning needs more opportunities to play and grow, along with better protection and a more simplified system to help him succeed.

The jury is still out on whether Texas is truly doing enough for Manning’s development, but with the right adjustments, there is still hope that both Manning and Sarkisian can reach their full potential together. Whether or not they can achieve this will be one of the most significant storylines for Texas in the coming years.