Arch Manning’s arrival at the University of Texas was met with immense anticipation. As the latest heir to the Manning football legacy, expectations were sky-high. Yet, as he prepares to take the reins as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback in the 2025 season, questions about his readiness persist. Notably, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has raised concerns regarding Manning’s preparedness for the challenges ahead.
Manning’s journey to Texas began at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, where he set numerous records, including over 8,500 passing yards and 115 touchdowns. His performances earned him accolades such as the Bobby Dodd National Back of the Year in 2022 . Despite his high school success, Manning’s transition to college football has been gradual. In his freshman year at Texas, he played sparingly, appearing in two games and completing 2-of-5 passes for 30 yards . The following season, Manning saw more action, starting two games and leading the team to victories while showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with nine passing touchdowns and four rushing scores .
However, despite these flashes of potential, Manning’s college career remains in its early stages. His decision to remain at Texas for the 2025 season, bypassing the 2026 NFL Draft, indicates a desire to further develop his skills and gain more experience . This decision underscores the understanding that the transition from high school to college football is significant, and Manning aims to refine his game before making the leap to the professional level.
Enter Brian Kelly, head coach of LSU and a seasoned figure in college football. While Kelly has not publicly criticized Manning, his comments about the development of quarterbacks under his tutelage offer insight into his perspective. Reflecting on the early struggles of LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Kelly noted that Daniels faced challenges in his first year as a starter, including a subpar performance against Auburn and a heavy loss to Tennessee. Kelly emphasized that such growing pains are common for quarterbacks transitioning to starting roles, highlighting the importance of patience and development .
This context suggests that Kelly views Manning’s current trajectory as typical for a young quarterback. The SEC, known for its competitive nature, often serves as a proving ground for quarterbacks. Kelly’s experiences with Daniels imply that Manning, like many before him, will face challenges that will test his resilience and adaptability.
Moreover, Kelly’s acknowledgment of LSU’s own quarterback struggles, particularly with Garrett Nussmeier’s inconsistency, further emphasizes the complexities young quarterbacks face in the SEC . These insights suggest that Kelly’s comments are not a direct critique of Manning but rather a broader reflection on the challenges young quarterbacks encounter.
In conclusion, while Arch Manning’s potential is undeniable, his legacy at Texas is still unfolding. The path from a highly touted recruit to a successful college quarterback is fraught with challenges. Brian Kelly’s comments, when viewed in this light, serve as a reminder of the rigorous journey ahead for Manning. As he steps into the starting role for Texas, the coming season will be pivotal in shaping his collegiate legacy and determining his readiness for the next level.
