While assessing Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s status among elite prospects in college football, former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib argued whether Manning had the makings of a generational talent. Featured on the “Arena Show,” the Super Bowl champion shared a stark perspective that challenges the hype surrounding the quarterback for the Longhorns.
“I don’t think he’s a generational talent either. When I think generational talent, I think you’ve got to be like some crazy size and super good at what you do, or some crazy speed. You’ve got to have like….something got to be different,” Talib said (4:35).
The former Super Bowl champion laid out the parameters he uses for a generational player, which by his standard, Manning does not yet qualify for.
“They got to play good or you got to be just dominant, like Michael Jordan dominant, like Patrick Mahomes dominant. Or, you got to have something like Shaquille O’Neal, who comes into the league, he’s 7 foot, 400 pounds, athletic. Like that’s generational to me. Like, like Randy Moss, he’s 6’4″, runs a 4-2, and jump-ball skills. Like that’s generational to me,” he added.
Arch Manning’s Early Season Struggles Highlight Slide In Quarterback Rankings
Aqib Talib’s remarks arrive at a very rough moment for Arch Manning, who has not played well so far this season. The quarterback is only completing 55.3% of his passes for 579 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions during his first three starts as the starter for the Longhorns.
Manning entered the season being considered for a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and among the top quarterbacks in SEC. Yet inconsistencies led to a significant downgrading of his reputation as a player, sliding down in the recent rankings.
“I’m not worried, I just got to get back to playing my game.” – @ArchManning pic.twitter.com/MDoUBia9N8
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) September 15, 2025
Manning and the Longhorns are now slated to play Sam Houston State Bearkats next on Saturday at the DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
This game serves as a good opportunity for Manning’s display his talent in a so-far lukewarm show this season. It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old can have a good game that leads him back into consideration of the Heisman projections.
Read More:
- Cam Newton Calls On Arch Manning To Lower his ‘Attitude’ Amid Texas QB’s Struggles To Start 2025 Season
- Steve Sarkisian Takes Clear Stance On Benching Arch Manning During Week 3 Matchup vs UTEP
- “I’m Not Worried”: When Arch Manning Got 100% Real on Maintaining Peyton and Eli Manning’s Legacy
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