No One Will Dare To Criticize Arch Manning After Week 3
At last, Arch Manning is showing the kind of form and poise that makes people forget the early doubts and criticism that had begun to swirl around him at the start of the 2025 college football season. After a rocky opening performance against Ohio State, many fans and analysts wondered if the Texas Longhorns’ highly touted quarterback was truly ready to lead a top-tier program through the rigors of a full season. But after his performance in Week 3, all those doubts have been decisively put to rest. Manning is back, not just in form, but in rhythm, demonstrating the kind of skill, vision, and leadership that can dominate games and demand respect from everyone in the football world.
The Longhorns’ 38–7 blowout over San Jose State was a showcase not just of team depth but of Manning’s ability to execute at a high level against a disciplined opponent. He completed pass after pass with precision, throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown that demonstrated his dual-threat capability. Each throw was calculated, each read methodical, and each decision reflected the growth and confidence that had been anticipated but not fully realized in the first two games of the season. This was the Arch Manning that Texas fans had been waiting for—the quarterback who could make defenders hesitate, make the big play under pressure, and carry the offense in a way few others in college football can.
The significance of this performance cannot be understated. College football, particularly at a program like Texas, is not forgiving. A quarterback with Manning’s pedigree—coming from one of the most celebrated football families in history—faces constant scrutiny. Every incomplete pass, every interception, every misread is magnified, dissected, and debated endlessly. Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton Manning and the grandson of Eli Manning’s father, carries not just the expectations of a program but of an entire football lineage. Critics were quick to point out that after the loss to Ohio State, questions about his readiness, adaptability, and even mental toughness were being raised. But Week 3 has quieted those voices. Manning’s command of the field, his ability to read the defense, and his accurate, confident throws left no room for debate.
What was particularly impressive about Manning’s performance was his ability to adjust to defensive schemes in real time. In college football, defenses often stack the line against a high-powered passing attack, attempting to force mistakes and disrupt timing. Manning, however, displayed a masterful understanding of spacing, timing, and option reads. He consistently found the open man, even under heavy pressure, and his decision-making was crisp and nearly flawless. His four touchdown passes were spread across multiple receivers, showing not just a command of the offense but the ability to make all his teammates better. This is a hallmark of elite quarterbacks, and Manning demonstrated that he possesses it in abundance.
Paul Finebaum, a respected voice in college football analysis, was quick to weigh in after Manning’s Week 3 performance, reiterating his belief that Manning has a legitimate shot at the Heisman Trophy. Finebaum’s endorsement is significant, given the national stage and the level of scrutiny surrounding elite quarterbacks in major programs. The Heisman conversation often revolves around not just statistics but the ability to perform in clutch situations, lead a team, and command respect across the conference. Manning’s Week 3 showing checked all those boxes. By dominating a game both through the air and on the ground, Manning sent a clear message: he is not just a participant in the season, he is a contender for individual honors while leading his team toward collective success.
Beyond the statistics, what stands out about Manning is his intangible impact on the Longhorns. Leadership in college football is often undervalued, but anyone who has been around a top-tier program understands its importance. Manning’s calm demeanor, his work ethic on the practice field, and his ability to motivate teammates translate directly to performance on game day. The way he orchestrated the offense against San Jose State reflected a quarterback not just playing his position, but elevating the entire team. His composure in the pocket, his quick release, and his precise footwork made it nearly impossible for defenders to force errors. For a program that is looking to regain national prominence, having a quarterback with that level of control is invaluable.
It’s also worth noting the significance of Manning’s rushing touchdown in the game. While many view him primarily as a passer, his ability to extend plays with his legs adds a critical dimension to the offense. College defenses must account for his mobility, which opens up opportunities for receivers and running backs alike. In modern football, the dual-threat quarterback is not just an asset; he is a weapon that forces defenses into difficult decisions, often creating mismatches that can be exploited repeatedly. Manning’s rushing ability demonstrates not only his athleticism but his football IQ, as he knows when to keep the ball, when to scramble, and when to make the simple, smart play to advance the team’s position.
The Longhorns’ coaching staff deserves credit for tailoring the offense to Manning’s strengths while also maintaining balance. A quarterback of Manning’s caliber requires a system that allows him to make decisions quickly while maximizing his skill set. In Week 3, it was evident that the coaches had studied the previous games, made adjustments, and positioned Manning to succeed. This synergy between player and coaching staff is essential in building a successful season, and Texas appears to have struck that balance effectively. Manning’s execution of the game plan was near perfect, showing a quarterback who understands his role, the team’s objectives, and how to capitalize on defensive weaknesses.
Week 3 may also mark a turning point in Manning’s season in terms of confidence and national perception. Early struggles can often linger in the minds of analysts and fans, creating narratives that are difficult to shake. But performances like this one—dominating, efficient, and multi-dimensional—force a reevaluation. Critics will find it difficult to justify negative commentary when faced with such compelling evidence of skill and leadership. The narrative is shifting: Manning is no longer a quarterback under scrutiny, he is a quarterback setting the standard. Every throw, every touchdown, and every well-executed play reinforces the perception that Texas has a leader who can carry the program through the toughest matchups of the season.
Statistically, Manning’s performance was outstanding, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Completing nearly 70% of his passes for close to 300 yards and four touchdowns is impressive in isolation, but doing so against a team that had prepared and schemed specifically to contain him elevates the achievement. Moreover, his leadership in pre-snap reads, audibles, and adjustments at the line of scrimmage demonstrated a cerebral approach that separates great quarterbacks from good ones. He is not merely reacting to the game; he is dictating its flow, commanding respect from defenders and teammates alike. This is the hallmark of a true quarterback poised for greatness.
Fans and analysts alike are beginning to appreciate the holistic impact of Manning’s play. While many conversations focus on statistics and individual accolades, the Longhorns’ overall performance is enhanced by his presence. Receivers gain confidence, the offensive line executes with clarity, and the running game opens up in ways that would not be possible without a quarterback of his intelligence and skill. His influence extends beyond the scoreboard, shaping the culture and expectations within the program. It is this kind of leadership, combined with talent, that positions Manning as a candidate not only for awards but for long-term success in the sport.
As the season progresses, the key for Manning will be maintaining this level of performance consistently. College football is unforgiving, with defenses adapting weekly, and the margin for error shrinking as the season advances. However, Week 3 serves as a blueprint for what is possible when Manning is in rhythm. His ability to read the field, make quick decisions, and execute under pressure suggests that he is more than capable of sustaining high-level play against increasingly competitive opponents. If he continues on this trajectory, Texas could not only contend for conference titles but also make a deep run on the national stage.
In conclusion, Arch Manning’s Week 3 performance was a statement in every sense. It showcased his talent, leadership, and intelligence, and silenced critics who had begun to question his readiness for the season. With four touchdown passes, a rushing touchdown, nearly 300 passing yards, and flawless decision-making, Manning demonstrated why he is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. Paul Finebaum’s endorsement of his Heisman chances underscores the national recognition he is beginning to earn. As Texas continues its season, one thing is clear: no one will dare to criticize Arch Manning now. His rhythm, confidence, and execution have placed him firmly in the spotlight as a player capable of achieving greatness, leading his team, and cementing his legacy in college football history.
Fans should be watching closely and engaging with the conversation, sharing their excitement and analysis of Manning’s incredible performances, because it is rare to witness a quarterback of this caliber come into his own so decisively, and Week 3 was the moment Arch Manning truly announced himself to the college football world.
