The buzz around Texas football has reached a fever pitch as Arch Manning prepares to take the reins of the Longhorns’ offense. With a legendary pedigree and sky-high expectations, Manning’s every move is under the microscope. Yet, in Joel Klatt’s highly anticipated quarterback rankings, he lands at No.2, raising eyebrows and questions.
Arch Manning: The Catalyst Texas Has Been Waiting For
Arch Manning’s arrival as Texas’ starting quarterback is more than just a changing of the guard—it’s a seismic shift for the program. Standing at 6’4” and 225 pounds, Manning brings a rare blend of size, arm strength, and mobility.
Joel Klatt, a respected college football analyst, captured the excitement, saying, “It’s time for Arch Manning. I believe in him. I believe in his coach. I think that this program is one of the three best programs in college football right now”.
What truly sets Manning apart, according to Klatt, is how he transforms the Texas offense.
“There’s a difference in the offense when Manning went in than when Quinn Ewers went in. The reason is that Arch puts more players in conflict on the field than what Ewers did… Arch puts edge defenders in conflict because he can run, and that was something last year that I don’t think anybody realized—how athletic he is on the outside”.
This dual-threat capability forces defenses to account for both his arm and legs, opening up the playbook for head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The anticipation is palpable, with even national outlets ranking Manning at the top of their lists. Yet, the hype is matched by pressure. As one observer noted, “If Manning isn’t a top quarterback in 2025, it would be a disappointment in the eyes of many Longhorn fans”. The stakes for both player and program could not be higher.
Why Joel Klatt Stops Short of No. 1
Despite the immense promise, Klatt places Manning just behind Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in his 2025 rankings. The key reason: experience.
“I know he’s not experienced, but I trust everything around him. Even if some of the players are going to be inexperienced around him, I trust the system around him, I trust his upbringing. I think Arch is going to be an absolute star. I will be shocked if it does not work out for Arch at Texas. So, he’s number two”.
My Top 10 QBs for CFB 2025 @JoelKlattShow
1) Cade Klubnik
2) Arch Manning
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.https://t.co/5gG9oxBDrK— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) May 19, 2025
Klatt’s methodology values proven production, especially in high-pressure situations. While Manning dazzled in limited action—throwing for nearly 1,000 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just two turnovers in his first month—he did so “against lesser competition in Texas blowouts”.
The real test will come against the SEC’s elite defenses, where inexperience can be costly.
Cade Klubnik, by contrast, has already led Clemson through deep playoff runs and shown resilience under fire. Klatt’s ranking reflects a belief that while Manning’s ceiling is sky-high, Klubnik’s track record gives him the edge, for now.
As Klatt puts it, “I’m always big on experience, but did you see him play in those two games? Don’t we know anything about Steve Sarkisian and the way that he builds an offense around the tools that he has?”.
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Arch Manning is poised to electrify Texas and college football at large, bringing a new dimension to the Longhorns’ attack. Joel Klatt’s No. 2 ranking isn’t a slight—it’s a nod to the value of experience, with the expectation that Manning’s star is only beginning to rise.
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