Speculation is already swirling around Texas quarterback Arch Manning potentially entering the 2026 NFL Draft, with many early mock drafts projecting him as a first-round pick. However, this would require Manning to declare after just one year as a starter, which his grandfather, Archie Manning, strongly advises against.
In a recent interview, Archie made it clear that Arch will remain at Texas beyond this season, pushing back on any “tank for Arch” narratives from NFL teams. This stance was more decisive than his previous comment in late 2024, when he only hoped his grandson would stay longer.
NFL Interest Grows, But Manning Family Roots Suggest Patience Over Premature Draft Decisions
Despite the excitement, some NFL insiders are tempering expectations. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, while acknowledging his ties to the Manning family, dismissed rumors of his team’s interest in Arch for next year’s draft.
Haslam speculated that Arch would likely remain at Texas for at least two years, citing the family’s values and long-term thinking. He also recalled his attempts to bring Peyton Manning into a front-office role, reinforcing the family’s ongoing connection to the NFL landscape.
Arch Manning (NFL)
The buzz around Arch Manning inevitably draws attention to the New Orleans Saints, due to his family’s deep-rooted connection to the city. Archie Manning was the Saints’ quarterback in the 1970s and remains a beloved figure in the franchise’s history.
Arch and his uncles, Peyton and Eli, all attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. NFL scouts and analysts have long been tracking Arch’s career, with comparisons to elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow due to his arm talent and poise.
Heisman Hype, Leadership Role: Arch Manning Poised to Prove Himself at Texas
Despite limited playing time, just two starts and 95 pass attempts, Arch Manning enters the 2025 season as a Heisman favorite. The hype hasn’t fazed him; at SEC Media Days, he openly questioned the basis for the high praise, noting how little he has played.
Still, Manning is aware that expectations are massive and insists that he must prove himself on the field. His humility and grounded mindset suggest he’s not buying into the buzz; he’s focused on earning it.
Now stepping into the starting role, Manning has embraced a leadership position within the Texas program. He credited the time spent learning behind Quinn Ewers as crucial to his development. With a rebuilt offensive line, elite receivers like Ryan Wingo, and a strong defense, Texas is positioned as a legitimate national title contender.
Manning is ready to take command, aiming to lead the Longhorns to an SEC championship and potentially a national title, solidifying his future not just as a draft prospect but as a college football star.
After two seasons of patiently waiting on the sidelines, Arch Manning is finally slated to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025. His highly anticipated debut will be closely watched by fans and family alike, including his uncle, Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
Peyton expressed his excitement about seeing Arch play, noting how impressed he was by his nephew’s recent performance at the Manning Passing Academy, where Arch demonstrated strong mechanics and poise.
Arch Manning’s Arm Strength, Swagger, and Speed Set Him Apart from Family Legacy
Peyton Manning couldn’t help but admire the arm talent on display at the academy, particularly from Arch and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The five-time NFL MVP noted that Arch possesses a stronger arm than he ever did.
Peyton highlighted a specific throw Arch made, saying it was a pass he himself wouldn’t have dared to attempt during his playing days. The comment underscored how much physical talent Arch brings to the position, even within a family known for quarterbacking excellence.
Arch Manning (NFL)
Arch’s skills extend beyond his arm strength. Peyton emphasized the different attributes that make Arch unique compared to his uncles. According to Peyton, Arch’s swagger and confidence come from his father, Cooper Manning, while his athleticism appears to come from his grandfather, Archie Manning.
Peyton joked that the speed gene “skipped” him and Eli, but not Arch. This blend of mobility, confidence, and pedigree gives Arch the potential to forge his own identity in college football.
Early Success Fuels Heisman Hype and NFL Expectations for Arch Manning’s 2025 Season
Despite limited playing time last season, Arch made a strong impression. Filling in for the injured Quinn Ewers, he led Texas to two victories and put up 13 total touchdowns—nine passing and four rushing—while posting an impressive 184.0 quarterback rating. That performance was enough to fuel speculation about his potential to become a dominant force in college football and possibly even surpass the achievements of his famous uncles.
The buzz around Arch is already reaching Heisman-level hype. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum even suggested that Arch could be the best college quarterback since Tim Tebow.
With his natural talent, famous lineage, and early flashes of greatness, Arch is seen as a top contender for college football’s highest honors. If he meets expectations, it’s not far-fetched to think he might follow in Peyton and Eli’s footsteps and eventually be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The early favorite for the 2025 Heisman Trophy is not surprising.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the favorite at BetMGM as he starts his first season as the Longhorns’ QB. Manning is at +800, slightly ahead of LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who has odds of +850.
Manning is taking over for Quinn Ewers as Texas’ starting quarterback. In a recent interview, Manning mentioned that he doesn’t think he’s done enough as a college player to deserve all the attention he’s been getting. That attention is likely a key reason why Manning is the early favorite.
Manning had 13 total touchdowns in 2024, playing in 10 games. He started two games when Ewers was injured in September against UTSA. In those games, Manning scored five total touchdowns.
Ewers was one of the co-favorites to win the 2024 Heisman. Along with Ewers, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe were all listed at +800 when the odds were first released. Out of those four, only Gabriel made it to New York City as a Heisman finalist.
Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman, had odds of +3500 and was at +5000 during the summer before his standout performance playing both defensive back and wide receiver.
Nussmeier is returning to LSU for his second season as a starter after a strong 2024. He completed 64% of his passes for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. However, his performance dipped during SEC play. He threw 18 touchdowns in LSU’s first six games, then only five touchdowns over the next five games.
Longhorns are poised for a competitive season with Manning at the helm
Nussmeier is one of the top returning QBs in the SEC. Texas is not the only playoff contender with a new quarterback heading into 2025. Gunner Stockton will replace Beck at Georgia, and Ty Simpson is expected to take over for Milroe at Alabama.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is the third favorite at +1100, ahead of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at +1200. Klubnik had a strong second season as Clemson’s starter in 2024, totaling 43 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to the College Football Playoff.
Smith was one of the top receivers in the country last season as a freshman. He caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. His catch on a go route late in the national championship game helped Ohio State beat Notre Dame.
Smith is the only non-quarterback player who is considered a serious contender for the Heisman. Every other player with odds better than 50-1 to win the Heisman is a quarterback. The running back with the best odds is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at +5000, and no other non-quarterback player, aside from Smith and Love, has odds better than 150-1.
Arch Manning doesn’t believe he has done enough yet to be one of the most famous players in college football.
In an interview, Manning discussed a variety of topics ahead of his first season as the starting quarterback for Texas. The former five-star recruit was a backup to Quinn Ewers in 2024 and is set to be the No. 1 QB in 2025 after Ewers moves on to the NFL.
When asked about the attention he gets because of his famous family — being the nephew of Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning — he was quick to respond.
“I think a lot of undeserved attention,” Manning said. “But hopefully it gets more deserving in the next few months.”
Manning went on to say, “I don’t think I’ve done enough yet to be taking a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs. But maybe that will come eventually.”
Manning joined Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the 2023 season as the top high school recruit in the country. When Manning arrived in Austin, Ewers was already the starter after transferring from Ohio State.
Manning started the 2023 season as the No. 3 QB, but became the primary backup when Ewers got hurt with a shoulder injury. Manning also played in the College Football Playoff when the No. 2 QB, Maalik Murphy, transferred.
Arch Manning celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half
Manning got his first real playing time in 2024 when Ewers hurt his oblique in September. Manning replaced Ewers against UTSA, then started games against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State before Ewers returned for the Texas vs. Oklahoma game.
Manning scored five touchdowns in the UTSA game but had only eight more over the next nine games he played. He finished the season with 63 completions on 95 attempts for 969 yards, nine passing touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Now, with Ewers headed to the NFL, Manning will have a full off season as the expected starter. The Texas offense will likely change a lot in 2025.
Manning, who believes his game most resembles that of his grandfather Archie Manning, also rushed for four touchdowns in 2024. He is more of a rushing threat than Ewers, and while Manning may not run a lot in 2025, his ability to move the ball with his legs will be a key part of the offense.
“I think he fits his offense and his play-calling to his players,” Manning said about Sarkisian. “That’s what I like most about him. He’s smart and he’s innovative and he wants to win. He’s a competitive guy. He works really hard, prepares and he gets us in the right position to win games.”
With eyes on the SEC title, the Longhorns are poised for a competitive season with Manning at the helm (Texas Longhorns)
Kicking off the season on Aug. 30, the Longhorns will face a familiar opponent in a rematch from the Playoff semifinals as they travel to Ohio State.
This won’t mark the first starting opportunity for the quarterback, but it will be his debut as the definitive QB1 for the program following the announcement regarding the 2025 season.
High-pressure games await quarterback Manning, especially against rising star quarterbacks in the league (Texas Longhorns)
From that point forward, the schedule becomes significantly more favorable for Texas, which is projected to commence the 2025 season in a strong position despite losing several offensive linemen and a few key players.
Among Texas’ eight SEC rivals, only two concluded the 2024 season with winning records against conference opponents.
With a tough matchup against the Buckeyes in Week 1 and a crucial game against Georgia in Week 12, the Longhorns will not encounter any team that finished the previous season ranked in the CFP Top 25.
Nonetheless, Manning will face high-pressure situations, having only started in games while Ewers dealt with an oblique injury.
Among the pivotal matchups will be a clash with the rising quarterback star at Florida on Oct. 4, followed by the essential Red River Rivalry matchup against Oklahoma the following week.
Texas is anticipated to contend for the SEC title and make a return to the CFP as Manning takes the reins after spending two seasons as Ewers’ backup.
September Slowdown
The month of September presents Texas with an opportunity to regroup, enhance team chemistry, and gear up for the challenges of SEC play. The Longhorns can treat this month similarly to how a team might approach the preseason.
While it’s worth noting that all three opponents have recently appeared in bowl games, they lack the depth and talent to keep pace with Texas over the full 60 minutes.
Texas is likely to be favored by three touchdowns or more in each contest, allowing Manning to assert control over the offense during this period while building rapport with his receiving corps.
Although Manning has shown he can run effectively, Coach Steve Sarkisian would be wise to limit wear and tear on his star quarterback, especially with a demanding five-week stretch against SEC competition ahead.
Manning will finish his day early in these games as the Longhorns lean on a talented group of running backs after establishing commanding leads.
October Highlights
The calendar turns to October with two highly anticipated games: one at Florida on Oct. 4 and another against Oklahoma on Oct. 11.
Fans should prepare for an electrifying showdown between Arch Manning and DJ Lagway in Week 6, a must-watch event showcasing arguably the two most gifted quarterbacks in college football during a critical SEC clash.
Florida wrapped up the 2024 season with a four-game winning streak, including victories with Lagway at the helm.
While some Texas fans might assume a straightforward victory given the previous year’s dominant 49-17 win at Texas, it’s essential to remember that was prior to Lagway’s ascension as the starter, and the 2025 matchup will take place in a hostile environment.
The following week brings the highly anticipated encounter with Oklahoma. The Sooners will be eager to rebound from a disappointing 34-3 defeat to Texas in 2024 as they enter Year 3 under Coach Brent Venables.
With transfer John Mateer stepping in at quarterback, this game promises to be another thrilling quarterback duel, providing Manning with a chance to establish his Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Midseason Malaise
Each of these conference games should see Texas favored by more than a touchdown, though they may not come easily.
This stretch occurs between the Red River Rivalry and a crucial matchup against Georgia, which will put pressure on both Sarkisian and Manning to maintain focus.
In 2024, Texas handled Kentucky and Mississippi State without much difficulty, but both teams, having previously finished at the bottom of the standings, will look to improve in 2025.
Vanderbilt also poses a challenge, especially with their standout quarterback. The Commodores are likely to prove tough once more, as the Longhorns barely escaped with a 27-24 victory in Nashville in 2024.
Given that tipped passes caused Ewers two crucial interceptions in that game, Manning’s agility and ability to manage the pocket should help mitigate this issue moving forward.
Tense Finish
The final stretch kicks off with a demanding road game against a Georgia team eager to reclaim its status in college football after failing to reach the CFP semifinals in consecutive years.
Longhorns are poised for a competitive season with Manning at the helm (Texas Longhorns)
Having defeated Texas twice in 2024, the Bulldogs will be formidable opponents in a packed Sanford Stadium, where the Longhorns will make their first-ever visit to Athens, Georgia.
The rivalry games against Arkansas and Texas A&M will both provide stiff competition. The Aggies, led by defensive-minded head coach Mike Elko, will be keen to hinder Manning’s effectiveness, especially if he is in contention for the Heisman Trophy as the season concludes.
Fortunately for Texas, both matchups are set at home, where the Longhorns are likely to hold the advantage.
With a blockbuster opening and a rivalry-heavy closing, Texas will face considerable challenges throughout the season. However, the Longhorns benefit from a favorable schedule that includes six of the SEC’s bottom seven teams from the previous year, while avoiding potentially tough opponents like LSU and Ole Miss.
This manageable lineup suggests that Manning has a solid chance to lead Texas to a 10-2 record, which would qualify the Longhorns for the College Football Playoff and potentially a return to the SEC Championship Game.
Manning’s mobility and leadership abilities present Texas with a golden opportunity to build on the robust foundation established by Ewers over the past two seasons.
