As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback prospect who has spent his first two years at the University of Texas as a backup to more experienced players. After biding his time and watching from the sideline, Manning is finally set to take the reins of the Longhorns’ offense in 2025, a year that promises to be filled with both high expectations and immense pressure. With the legacy of the Manning family looming large, Arch has the opportunity to step out of the shadows of his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, and establish his own identity at one of college football’s premier programs.
The Manning Legacy
Arch Manning is more than just another highly-ranked recruit; he is a member of one of the most prestigious families in the history of the NFL. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, are both future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, with Peyton being one of the greatest to ever play the game. Growing up with such a powerful family legacy, Arch Manning has been under a microscope from an early age, with media and fans eagerly awaiting his every move.
In many ways, Arch has been burdened with the weight of expectation ever since he first started to show his talent on the football field. However, he has been remarkably steady under the pressure, managing the demands of being part of a famous family while also focusing on his own development as a quarterback.
Arch Manning’s Recruitment Journey
Arch’s recruitment process was one of the most talked-about in recent college football history. By the time he was a high school junior, it was clear that the young Manning was one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. His skills were honed at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he threw for over 6,000 yards and 80 touchdowns over his three seasons as a starter.
The recruitment process for Manning was always going to be intense. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss—where his family has deep ties—were all in the mix. However, in the end, it was Texas that emerged as the victor. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff made it clear that Manning would be a central part of their long-term plans, and the allure of playing for a program with such a rich history in football proved to be too much to resist.
In 2023, Manning made the commitment to Texas, joining the Longhorns as one of the top recruits in the nation. However, despite his pedigree, he did not immediately step into the starting role. Instead, he joined a quarterback room that already featured a seasoned veteran in Quinn Ewers, who had transferred to Texas from Ohio State, and a rising star in Hudson Card.
The Waiting Game: Arch’s First Two Years at Texas
In his first two seasons at Texas, Arch Manning found himself in a familiar position: waiting his turn. He spent his freshman year as a backup to Quinn Ewers, who had taken over as the starting quarterback in 2023. Manning’s role was largely confined to practices and limited game-time appearances, which allowed him to learn the nuances of the college game while honing his skills in a system designed to challenge and develop quarterbacks.
For many players in Manning’s position, being a backup can be frustrating, especially when the pressure to live up to family expectations is ever-present. However, Manning seemed to take it all in stride. Throughout his first two years, he remained focused on learning the Texas playbook, working on his mechanics, and building a strong rapport with his teammates.
Arch Manning’s time as a backup also provided him with valuable insights into how to approach the college game. Under the tutelage of Sarkisian, one of the best offensive minds in college football, Manning had the opportunity to study and practice alongside some of the best coaches in the country. He also had the advantage of learning from Ewers, a quarterback who himself had a tumultuous journey before earning the starting spot.
While Manning did not see significant action during his first two seasons, it was clear that he was developing into a player ready for a larger role. His ability to process information quickly, make reads on the fly, and adapt to the speed of the game all improved during his time as a backup. This experience set the stage for what will be a crucial year in his development as a starter.
The 2025 Season: Arch Manning’s Time to Shine
With Quinn Ewers heading to the NFL following the 2024 season, the starting quarterback job at Texas is now Arch Manning’s to lose. The expectations surrounding Manning’s first season as the starter are immense, and they are only amplified by his family legacy and the long history of quarterback success at Texas. The Longhorns have had several memorable quarterbacks over the years, from Vince Young, who led the team to a national championship in 2005, to Colt McCoy, who helped elevate the program to a perennial contender.
Manning will have the opportunity to make his own mark in Austin. The Longhorns are coming off a strong 2024 season, and many fans believe that with Manning at the helm, Texas could be poised for a return to national prominence. The team has a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, and Manning will have several key offensive weapons at his disposal, including star running back Bijan Robinson and a talented group of wide receivers.
However, the road to success will not be without its challenges. Manning will be tasked with leading a team that will be looking to build on the success of the previous seasons while facing off against some of the best teams in college football. Texas is part of a fiercely competitive Big 12 conference, and the Longhorns’ schedule includes matchups with elite programs such as Oklahoma, Baylor, and Kansas State.
Manning’s success will depend not only on his individual skills but also on his ability to adapt to the challenges of being a starting quarterback in a Power Five conference. Sarkisian’s system, which is known for its emphasis on quick reads, play-action, and spreading the field, will require Manning to demonstrate his understanding of the game, his ability to read defenses, and his precision as a passer.
In addition to the technical aspects of the game, Manning will also need to establish himself as a leader in the locker room. The quarterback position, especially at a school like Texas, comes with the responsibility of guiding the team both on and off the field. Manning will need to inspire confidence in his teammates, build strong chemistry with his offensive line and receiving corps, and navigate the inevitable ups and downs that come with a season of such high stakes.
The Challenges Ahead
While the hype surrounding Arch Manning is undeniable, it’s important to remember that he is still a young quarterback entering his first full season as a starter. The jump from high school to college football is one of the most difficult transitions for any player, and quarterbacks, in particular, face a steep learning curve. Manning will have to adjust to the speed and complexity of college defenses, many of which will throw new and unexpected challenges at him each week.
Additionally, there is the pressure of living up to the expectations that come with being a Manning. Arch will need to find a way to block out the noise from the media, fans, and even family members who will undoubtedly have high hopes for his college career. While the support of his family is invaluable, Manning will need to develop his own identity as a player and avoid trying to replicate the exact style of play that made his uncles so successful.
Manning will also face challenges from within his own team. The Longhorns have a talented roster, and there will be other players vying for the spotlight. Ensuring that he stays focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades will be crucial for Manning’s development. Additionally, his success will be dependent on the performance of the offensive line, which must give him the time to make plays, and the wide receivers, who must create separation and execute when Manning delivers the ball.
The Future of Texas Football
For Texas, Arch Manning represents the future. If he can live up to the hype, he has the potential to lead the Longhorns back to national prominence. With his combination of size, arm strength, and football IQ, Manning is more than just a legacy recruit—he’s a future star who has the chance to shape the future of Texas football.
In many ways, the 2025 season will define Arch Manning’s college career. If he can lead Texas to success, he will be remembered as one of the greats in the school’s history, carving out his own legacy as the starting quarterback. If he struggles, it will add fuel to the fire of those who question whether he can live up to the Manning name. But regardless of what happens, one thing is certain—Arch Manning’s journey at Texas is just beginning, and it promises to be one of the most exciting storylines in college football for years to come.
Arch Manning’s opportunity to be the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025 is a monumental moment in college football. As he prepares to take the field as the leader of the Longhorns, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on him. But with his talent, work ethic, and the guidance of the Texas coaching staff, Arch Manning has the chance to build his own legacy and lead Texas into a new era of success. The stage is set for what could be a transformative year for both Arch Manning and Texas football.