Many have crowned Texas quarterback Arch Manning the next big thing and the future No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But the young quarterback sat behind the Longhorns’ Quinn Ewers for two years, leaving some to doubt whether he really has the ability we’ve been sold on.
Aaron Murray Doubts Arch Manning’s Abilities
Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray voiced his concerns about Manning, announcing that he’s not ready to crown him as the next big thing just yet.
“If you are so good… why in the hell are you not playing above a 7th round QB?”@aaronmurray11 told @ESPNDari why he’s not as high on Texas QB Arch Manning as others.
#SECThisMorning pic.twitter.com/xpzXl2gG92— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) May 16, 2025
“I am not sold, like so many of the other people are, that this guy is going to be the number one pick in NFL draft, that he’s going to just be unbelievable, that he’s going to be the next coming of Peyton and Eli, but that’s mobile,” Murray said on Sirius XM.
“And I said this last year during the season, too, because I was a big fan of Quinn Ewers heading into the season. I thought Quinn did some good stuff at times last season, but let’s be honest, Texas had probably the second or third best roster in America, probably the second or third. Why were they not competing for a national championship?
“Because Quinn was holding them back. Quinn did not perform to the level that I thought he could, and then you see now in the NFL Draft, I mean, he gets drafted in the seventh round? So even NFL scouts are saying, like, this guy’s just maybe not as good as anticipated coming out as a recruit, or maybe even two years ago.”
Manning did see some playing time last year when Ewers was injured, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions on 67.8% passing. He added 108 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
“So all in all, Quinn Ewers had a disappointing season, and it reflected in his draft stock,” Murray said. “If you are so good and everyone has you projected number one pick in the NFL Draft, come 2026, why in the hell are you not playing above a seventh round quarterback?
“If Steve Sarkisian knows what he’s doing and he knows how good their roster is, which I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of different teams and I asked them, like, what are the top rosters? Ohio, State, Texas, probably Georgia. What was holding them back? Queen Ewers. Why was Arch not playing? It’s like that rubs me the wrong way a little bit.”
“And then you watch the tape, and yeah, it looks good at times. I wouldn’t say it looks incredible. It doesn’t scream first-round talent to me off the back. And I’m not saying he can’t get there. And I’m never going to talk bad about a quarterback, because I know how difficult it is. I’m cheering for him like I cheer for every quarterback.
“I want them all to have success, but I need to see it first. I’m not going to crown you this All-American superstar.”
KEEP READING: Arch Manning Is Set To Ignite Texas’ Offense, But Why Does Joel Klatt Rank Him No. 2?
We’ll see where Manning stands as the Longhorns take on a tricky SEC schedule in 2025.
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