Arch Manning’s inclusion on the Davey O’Brien Award watch list is more than just a nod to potential—it’s a formal recognition that the Texas Longhorns quarterback has arrived at the doorstep of national relevance. For months, even years, Manning’s name has been whispered around college football circles with a mixture of reverence and anticipation. As the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli, the expectations placed upon him were never going to be modest. But unlike most highly-touted prospects who ride the wave of early hype and immediate starts, Arch has taken the slow, methodical route. Now, with this nomination, he has catapulted himself into the national conversation not as a legacy, but as a serious contender.
The Davey O’Brien Award is one of college football’s most prestigious honors, given annually to the nation’s best quarterback. Previous winners include icons like Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Joe Burrow—names that have all gone on to achieve significant NFL success. Being named to the watch list is not a guarantee of winning, of course, but it does serve as an endorsement of a player’s talent, trajectory, and relevance in the coming season. For Arch Manning, it is the clearest sign yet that the football world is watching—not for what his last name represents, but for what his arm, poise, and leadership on the field can deliver.
This recognition comes at a critical juncture in Manning’s career. After redshirting during his freshman year and spending much of last season learning behind Quinn Ewers, the young quarterback has had time to develop both physically and mentally. His decision to stay at Texas, rather than seek immediate playing time elsewhere via the transfer portal, reflects maturity and an understanding of the long game—a rare trait in today’s impatient college football culture. The coaching staff in Austin, led by Steve Sarkisian, has been intentional in Manning’s development. Sarkisian, who has coached elite quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones during his time at Alabama, knows the delicate balance between preparation and pressure. That strategy now appears to be bearing fruit.
What sets Manning apart, beyond the bloodlines and the branding, is his command of the game. Coaches and insiders rave about his football IQ, his ability to process defensive schemes, and his touch on deep throws. He’s not the flashiest player on the field, but he’s often the smartest. In scrimmages and controlled practices, he’s shown glimpses of brilliance—stepping into throws under pressure, audibling out of bad plays, and demonstrating a pocket awareness far beyond his years. Those moments, once confined to closed sessions, are now beginning to trickle into public view. And with that visibility comes opportunity.
The upcoming season will be pivotal. With Ewers having declared for the NFL Draft, the Texas starting job is now Manning’s to lose. The Longhorns, coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and an SEC transition that has the college football world buzzing, are in need of a leader who can steady the ship and elevate the program even further. Manning’s inclusion on the Davey O’Brien watch list suggests that many believe he can be that leader. But this won’t be handed to him. The SEC is unforgiving. Defenses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU don’t care about legacies. They care about pressure, coverage schemes, and turnovers. Manning will have to prove, snap after snap, that he belongs on the field with the best of the best.
That challenge, however, may be exactly what he needs. Despite being shielded from media frenzies and public overexposure during his high school days and early college tenure, Manning has always carried himself with the poise of a seasoned professional. He comes from a family that understands what pressure means, how to handle it, and how to silence critics with performance rather than words. That DNA, coupled with his own fierce desire to carve out his own identity, makes him a unique figure in the sport.
His presence on the Davey O’Brien watch list also underscores the growing belief that Texas football is finally entering a new era. The Longhorns have flirted with relevance in recent years, only to fall short due to inconsistency at the quarterback position or lapses in defensive execution. With Manning at the helm and a deep, talented roster surrounding him, Texas fans have every reason to believe that this season could mark a true turning point. No longer is this just a rebuilding project or a feel-good story about a famous name choosing Austin. This is about competition, excellence, and championship aspirations.
Arch’s nomination will also serve as a lightning rod for media attention. Every game he plays will be dissected, every throw analyzed. That’s the trade-off of fame in this era of college football. But perhaps no one is better prepared to handle that pressure than Arch Manning. He has grown up in football locker rooms, observed the media scrutiny that comes with being an NFL quarterback, and learned how to manage expectations while staying true to the game itself.
In many ways, being named to the Davey O’Brien watch list is just the beginning. The real journey starts with Week 1, when Manning steps onto the field with the weight of a program—and a family legacy—on his shoulders. If the early signs are any indication, he’s ready. Not just to live up to the name on his jersey, but to make that name his own in a way that only the game of football can allow. And if he can deliver the kind of season many expect, then this moment—this simple inclusion on a watch list—may come to be seen not as a culmination, but as the quiet start of something extraordinary.
