One of the hardest parts of Arch Manning‘s 2025 season struggles is to live up to the hype of massive expectations. It is right there in his name. He’s a Manning. He can’t struggle because his uncles, Peyton, who played for Tennessee, the Colts and Broncos, and Eli, who played for Ole Miss and the Giants, seemed to never did. CBS did some good digging up to push a narrative about Arch, but they forgot to consider one key factor in their comparison, and now it looks misleading.

CBS rolled out the numbers as if to remind America that the Manning magic is alive and well. They put Arch’s first six starts at Texas Longhorns side by side with Peyton’s at Vols and Eli’s at Rebs. The outcome? Arch Manning is technically out front. His 19 touchdown passes beat Peyton’s 13 and Eli’s 14. His completion percentage of 63.9% sits just a shade behind Peyton’s 66.5 and Eli’s 65.3. On paper, he looks arguably a step ahead. Bold stuff, especially when you slap the family name across the screen.

Here’s where the CBS story gets a little wobbly. Peyton was 18. Eli was 19. Arch is already 21. That’s a difference you can’t just shrug off. Comparing a fully developed QB with grown-man strength to teenagers figuring out how to beat SEC defenses feels a little desperate. It’s a nice PR move, sure, but it dodges the more logical lens. They should’ve rather kept the comparison to his current colleagues.

That brings us to the Big 12’s next great game coming in the second week of October. Texas at 3-1, led by Manning, staring down No. 7 Oklahoma, undefeated and rolling behind John Mateer. That’s the comparison worth making. In his five starts, Manning has racked up 1,417 passing yards while carrying a 5-1 record as a starter. In non-conference play, he’s logged 888 passing yards with a 61.3 completion rate. On 106 attempts, he’s connected on 65 throws, tossing nine touchdowns against three interceptions. His longest completion stretched a ridiculous 83 yards. On ground, 123 yards with five more scores. It’s a résumé that screams high-ceiling but also raw edges.

Mateer, meanwhile, looks like a veteran who skipped the learning curve. Through four games, he’s hit 95 completions on 141 throws, good for 1,215 passing yards and a 67.4% completion clip. The OU player has six touchdowns and three interceptions to his name, his longest pass traveling 47 yards. And unlike Arch, whose wins still carry asterisks, Mateer’s résumé already includes two signature victories. Taking down No. 19 Michigan in Week 2 and knocking off Auburn in Week 4. Between the two, he walks into the annual Red River Rivalry with a chance to plant his flag.

That’s why Oct. 11 will become a proving ground for both QBs. Arch Manning might have the surname, the CBS graphics, and the 83-yard bombs. John Mateer has the cleaner stat sheet, the bigger wins, and the momentum of an undefeated start.

Saban Puts Arch Under the Microscope

Arch Manning is battling himself. The young Texas QB has looked jittery, pressing throws and forcing plays that aren’t there. Results of that are inaccurate balls, under-thrown passes, and already three costly interceptions. And when Nick Saban, calls you out on College Gameday, people listen.

“You know, I think when things aren’t going well for a player, you’ve got to go back to the technical aspects of how you’re trying to execute,” Saban explained. “Like, his mechanics are a little off. He’s a little more side-armed than he was a year ago. You know, his footwork is not always exactly right in terms of his accuracy. I think it affects your confidence a little bit. I think he’s relying a little bit too much on running now rather than reading things out.”

HC Steve Sarkisian had his own take on Manning’s performance. “He’s a very cerebral guy in his approach and in his preparation, but at his core, I think when he plays a little looser, a little bit more free, that’s the best version of Arch.” Before facing the Sooners, Arch will have to pay a visit to the battered Gators. A comfortable win there can help with the momentum for the big game after that.