It’s finally here—welcome to the Arch Manning era in Texas! After all the drama with Quinn Ewers heading to the draft, Manning has stepped into the spotlight. There’s been a ton of chatter circling around him lately, mixing a bit of hype with a sprinkle of skepticism. On one hand, people are already putting the third-generation Manning on a pedestal before he even takes a snap. On the other, there’s that reality check that comes with being a rookie starting quarterback. But let’s be real, all the excitement right now definitely outweighs the doubts. Arch, at just 21, is igniting Austin with some serious energy!

The Texas QB1 has already showcased his skills to be the next guy in the burnt orange. When Ewers went down with an injury last year, Manning kept the Longhorns rolling in a rout of UL Monroe, throwing for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first career start at Texas. In another game (against Mississippi State) under the spotlight, Manning racked up 325 yards and completed 83.9 percent of his passes.

Seeing the glimpse of a future breakout star, Texas fans went crazy about Sarkisian still backing Ewers when he recovered. Whether or not Sarkisian was right in his decision to delay the inevitable is another debate. But now Arch has the ball in his court. It’s time for a critical evaluation. “The tools are all there, man. 6’4” and 220 lbs. is what he’s listed on the school website. I am guessing he’s every bit that big. When you watch how strong his base is in the pocket and the way he throws with that strong base! I mean, he’s shaking off grown men at times,” says Steve Muench during the Todd McShay show. 

But there is some layer of concern, too. “The limited snaps we have seen, he is shaking guys off. He gets a strong base, he gets good zip on the ball,” Muench continues, adding the crucial details. “His mobility, I want him to run more this year. I want him to make more plays with his feet. Now I don’t want him to turn into a guy who’s always running.”

Manning sprinted 67 yards for a rushing touchdown last year. So, the running ability is off the charts as well. ‘But when you see him take off, you get excited about what he can do as a runner. So, you are talking about mobility, you are talking about size, you’re talking about arm talent—check, check, check.” NFL draft analyst brews massive hope for Manning’s future at Austin and beyond: “All of the tools to become an elite quarterback.’

Manning will get a serious test in the season opener against the defending champion on August 30th. But we should hold our guts for at least five or six games in a row to come to a clear conclusion about his first year (as a starter) fate at Texas.

Arch has a compelling argument for being the top pick of the 2026 NFL draft and in the front row of the early Heisman race. But the load of expectation is something that keeps haunting Sarkisian and his father. Getting under the spot and starting to deliver immediately is a challenge for anyone who’s not been there before. It becomes even more of an uphill battle if the schedule showcases a major red flag.

The Texas 2025 schedule bears some heavy roadblocks 

The schedule disparity within the SEC has been a recurring theme in CFB. There have already been a lot of talks and debates over how Texas and Oklahoma boast the easiest and toughest schedules, respectively, and how it’s not fair to the side of the Sooners. But if you look closely, the grass isn’t that much greener on the other side either. While Sarkisian has been doing everything to be a good backup to his newfound offense led by Manning, some games really cast doubt on the future.

The Texas Longhorns got a serious reality check on their plate. Cover 3 Podcast’s Eric Henry didn’t mince his words while putting Steve Sarkisian on notice. “There is a one-month stretch that Texas is away from Austin. I believe it’s that three-game stretch in the middle of the SEC that they are away from home,” Eric said.

The Longhorns will face Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Georgia on the road. While hosting Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Texas A&M at home. If the teams play to their full potential after a strong off-season reboot. Texas’ way back to the SEC championship won’t be a cakewalk. But regardless, Arch Manning will be on the watch!