College football insider J. D. PicKell is impressed with how Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning handled a recent interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith. While PicKell outlined how the interview felt forced and was not created to challenge Manning, he did make clear that he was impressed with numerous aspects of the QB’s answers and mindset.
What Did J.D. PicKell Say About the Arch Manning Interview?
Manning is expected to become the starting quarterback of the Longhorns next season after spending this past year as Quinn Ewers’s backup. He is a member of the iconic Manning family, which makes his story even more fascinating.
On top of all of that, he is an extremely talented quarterback who has the chance to be a very high NFL Draft pick in the future.
PicKell outlined how the interview set was “pretty hilarious” and how other aspects—including Manning’s decision to wear a Red Bull hat—definitely played to his sponsors. The video was released on the “On3Sports” YouTube channel.
“When it comes to this discussion in general, it’s pretty obvious that Red Bull and the NIL game is crushing it. He’s rocking a Red Bull hat during that interview, looks like he’s about to be dialled in for a Formula One race… It also looks like the set of this interview, I don’t know where it was so I apologize if this is your local high school, looks kinda like a TV set of what would be what was supposed to be like a high school football locker room,” he said.
However, PicKell also made clear that he was impressed with how Manning handled the interview.
“Seems like he’s got a pretty good head on his shoulders. I was really encouraged by the way that he answered questions,” the pundit added.
Arch Manning 2025 Outlook
In limited game time behind Ewers this season, Manning had 939 passing yards, 13 total touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Furthermore, his accuracy was on display with an impressive 67.8% completion rate.
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Manning is an extremely accurate quarterback who can make throws anywhere and at any depth on the field. He projects to be one of the best players in all of college football next season and is also on the path to being a top NFL Draft prospect.
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