Arch Manning is on the brink of a new era in his Texas journey. He’s slated to take the reins as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. After two years of waiting in the wings behind Quinn Ewers, the spotlight is finally shifting toward Manning, the moment he’s been preparing for since 2023.
There will be immense pressure for Manning to perform, especially after Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian secured two five-star players.
Arch Manning’s Expectations After Texas Signed 5-Star Duo
The Longhorns will travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes on Aug. 30, 2025. It will be Manning’s first game as the program’s full-time starter.
Manning has immense pressure looming over him since he needs to meet the expectations of Texas fans set by the level of his predecessor. Things have also heated up after five-star wide receiver Kaliq Lockett and edge rusher Lance Jackson committed to Texas.
Still, a lot of pundits believe that Manning is ready to pave the path for the team, considering he has completed 63 of 95 passes in his career with only two interceptions and nine touchdowns.
Moreover, if Manning can lead his team to victory against Ohio State in the coming season, it’d do wonders for his career.
Former coach Adam Breneman also believes that Manning would do great as the starting quarterback of the Horns.
On Instagram, Breneman posted, “Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns could be the biggest obstacle to Ohio State winning it all again in 2025. Manning enters the season as the Heisman favorite after limited action this past season. With a strong supporting cast and very few losses to the transfer portal, Texas is stacked for next season.”
Despite his great talent, Manning has not made a pass attempt in a true road environment. Notably, he did not attempt a single pass at Kyle Field during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies last November.
Yet, there’s pressure for Manning to perform alongside the nation’s top stars like Lockett and Jackson, but if he plays his cards right, things could also become more comfortable for the quarterback.
Longhorns Legend Gives Crucial Advice to Manning
Former Texas QB Colt McCoy doesn’t want Manning to take a lot of pressure upon himself. McCoy has advised him to follow a style of play that he’s most comfortable in since everybody has their own play style.
During an interview with Underdog, McCoy said he wants Manning to play the game without any pressure, despite what the fans are telling him.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Go out there and be you,” McCoy said. “Play to your strengths. We’re all different as quarterbacks. We all have an edge somehow. If Arch is smart, he’ll figure out his edge.”
Texas quarterback legend @ColtMcCoy gives Arch some advice on how to be the next Texas legend pic.twitter.com/pVH9FAyCR4
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) January 15, 2025
In the same interview, McCoy also gave Manning some tips on how he could prepare to be the next Texas QB legend.
“When the season rolls around, Texas will be in a great spot,” McCoy added. “There are playmakers all around him. They are very well-coached. Arch just has to attack and have that chip on your shoulder. Texas has made it to the final four two years in a row; what are we going to do to make it all the way?”
Manning comes from a great family of NFL legends, as his uncles, Eli and Peyton, have won four Super Bowls in total during their careers. So, it’s safe to say that he’s already quite accustomed to the pressure.
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