As the 2025 season approaches, Arch Manning enters with immense attention, viewed by many as one of the most highly scrutinized college quarterbacks in recent memory. The former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class has spent most of his time backing up Quinn Ewers at Texas but flashed promise in limited action last year when Ewers was sidelined.
Arch Manning Enters 2025 Season with High Expectations and Untapped Upside
Manning steps into the 2025 college football season as one of the most heavily scrutinized quarterbacks in the nation, carrying a famous last name, immense expectations, and elite potential.
Despite logging only 90 snaps last season in relief of Ewers, analysts on the Andy and Ari Show by On3 believe Manning has already shown enough to justify his growing NFL draft hype.
“He’s got traits that translate,” Andy stated during the show. “He can layer throws. He’s very calm in the pocket. Yes, he did take some sacks last year. I think that’s a sign of inexperience.”
Manning’s physical tools have impressed evaluators, particularly his downfield accuracy, mobility, and poise under pressure — all of which suggest he’s more than just a product of his pedigree.
Statistically, Manning’s small sample is eye-opening.
“In those 90 snaps… he’s top four in the SEC in accuracy, turnover-worthy play rate, explosive pass rate, and first down-touchdown rate,” an analyst noted. They added, “Only one other returner has a better adjusted net passing yards per attempt,” a metric that accounts for sacks, scrambles, and decision-making under pressure.
This performance in limited action has analysts optimistic, even if some caution that inexperience remains a factor. Manning’s famous surname has also complicated perceptions.
“If his last name wasn’t Manning, he’d still be a 6-4 tank with sprinter speed surrounded by really good teammates, coached by a really good play-caller,” one of the show’s hosts remarked.
Interestingly, the hosts argued that the Manning name may actually increase public skepticism.
“I think that the fact that his last name is Manning makes people angry at the hype,” one analyst said. “They are more easily able to discount how good he is because then they can just brush it off as hype.”
Still, Manning is not being viewed through the lens of legacy alone. His skill set stands on its own merits.
“He has that capability to get them to that next echelon with his playmaking, with his accuracy, and… he doesn’t just fall to crap when he’s pressured,” the analyst added.
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Ultimately, while questions remain about how Manning will handle a full season as a starter, evaluators aren’t waiting.
“We’re not going to wait for that youth to [emerge] in these rankings. We can just see it, guys. It’s a very, very special class,” they said.
If Manning fulfills his promise, his name—literally and figuratively—may soon become a fixture at the top of NFL draft boards.
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