Arch Manning, who is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025, has a long way to go before considering playing in the Super Bowl. However, one of his former teammates, who is preparing for his first Super Bowl, praised the quarterback’s abilities.
Arch Manning: Texas’ Heisman Hopeful and Championship Contender
During Monday’s Super Bowl LIX media day, reporters asked Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy what he expects from Manning in his first year as the starter in Austin.
“Arch is a dog, man. I expect nothing less than a Heisman,” Worthy said. “He’s gonna get a national championship, too. To win the Heisman, you’ve got to be in that conversation,” he continued.
Manning showed his ability to rush the ball earlier this season when he replaced starting junior quarterback Quinn Ewers against UTSA. The redshirt freshman ran for a career-long 67-yard touchdown, becoming the fifth SEC quarterback in 15 years to have a running touchdown over 65 yards.
Worthy is not the only person with high optimism about Manning. Several college football observers portray him as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner as the Longhorns compete for a national championship. Manning currently has the second-best Heisman odds on FanDuel at +900, behind LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who is valued at +800.
According to the sportsbook, Texas is also tied for second-best odds (+650) with the Oregon Ducks, behind Ohio State (+600), to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Worthy believes Manning is a speedster, even if he was teasing Manning’s father, Cooper, during the interview on FOX Sports.
“Arch could probably get me in a 10-yard dash. Arch is fast!” he said.
Though Manning has spent little time under center for the Longhorns, he has been quite effective when called upon. Manning played in two games as a true freshman in 2023 and appeared in 10 as a redshirt freshman last season. He threw for 969 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions and tallied 115 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
KEEP READING: Arch Manning Didn’t Hesitate When Naming Best Quarterback in NFL History
As Manning sets to take over as the Longhorns’ starting QB, expectations for his performance keep rising. With praise flooding in and current and former teammates like Worthy showing belief in his skills, Manning could lead Texas to a national championship and potentially win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Manning and the Longhorns kick off their 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Ohio State in the reprise of this year’s College Football Playoff semifinal.
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