Arch Manning has taken charge of the Texas Longhorns after waiting two years behind Quinn Ewers, who has departed to the NFL. Manning recently revealed that he looks up to the SEC’s LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
The expectations are higher from Steve Sarkisian’s unit this year, and most of the burden will fall upon first-time starter Manning, who’s not shying away from his goals. He will be rivaled by Nussmeier, who sat behind Max Johnson and Jayden Daniels his first three years with the program. After Daniels joined the NFL, Nussmeier got the reins and impressed in his first season, so much that he’s one of the top candidates to win the Heisman Trophy in the upcoming season.
On Thursday, Manning spoke about Nussmeier, whom he has known since their growing-up days in Louisiana. Both were at the Manning Passing Academy to shoot for Raising Cane’s NIL deal in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
“It’s cool having a guy like Nuss to look up to,” Manning said. “He kind of had the same situation as me, just sitting for a few years, then going to play, and he played well. I’ve watched a lot of his film. He’s a good player, so it’s fun to look up to him.”
When asked about his goals for the 2025 season, Manning said:
“I think we’re both on the same page about that. SEC championship and national championship.”
Arch Manning’s Father Cooper Praises Garrett Nussmeier For Sticking Around Like His Son
These days, patience can run thin among star college football players, but it was not the case with either Arch Manning or Garrett Nussmeier. Both have stuck around with the programs they announced their loyalty to after high school, and finally, they are getting the due credit and responsibility.
Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, was also at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and he raved praises for both the QBs.
“When Coach Sark was recruiting Arch, he talked about the big picture,” Cooper said. “Developing him, doing it right, taking your time. Just because you get in and play immediately doesn’t mean that’s the right time. Sitting there learning — it’s frustrating at times. That’s not necessarily the best thing.”
“Nuss has done the same thing. You watch, you learn, you grow, you get bigger, stronger, faster, and more confident. So when it’s your time to go, you’re ready,” he added.
During the same interaction, Cooper praised Arch’s head coach in Texas, Steve Sarkisian, and weighed in on why he was the perfect man to develop his son in college. He expressed excitement about what lies ahead in the 2025 season.
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