Heading into the 2025 college football season, there are few players who have been discussed as much as Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Manning is set to take over the starting job in Texas after Quinn Ewers was selected in the 2025 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. There is a lot of excitement around Manning’s first season as a starter, with many experts projecting him to be one of the best QBs in college football.
As a member of the Manning family and a top recruit, Arch Manning had plenty of options when he was recruited a few years ago. However, he chose to join coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns despite knowing it would likely be a few seasons before he got a starting opportunity.
On Thursday, On3 insider Pete Nakos released an interview he did with Manning. On Friday, he reposted the article with a quote from Manning about why he chose to join Steve Sarkisian’s squad despite sometimes getting tough love from him.
Here’s what the 21-year-old said during the interview:
“I like him as a person. I liked Austin, liked Texas, so it was just the right fit. He’s hard on me sometimes, but I deserve it a lot of the time. It’s gonna be a fun year. I’m excited.”
Arch Manning on why choosing Steve Sarkisian was the right call: “I like him as a person. I liked Austin, liked Texas, so it was just the right fit. He’s hard on me sometimes, but I deserve it a lot of the time.
“It’s gonna be a fun year. I’m excited.”https://t.co/b6tDwMBCjf https://t.co/Y3DXfciNyp pic.twitter.com/KBb6Z7ESf1
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) June 27, 2025
Arch Manning made his first starts for Texas this past season while Quinn Ewers was injured in September. He started two games against UL Monroe and Mississippi State, winning both. However, after Ewers recovered, Manning only made spot appearances for the rest of the season, mostly for running plays.
Arch Manning Is the Early Favorite To Win Heisman Trophy
While Arch Manning is lacking in experience, he is still viewed as a top QB by most college football experts. According to FanDuel, he is the early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy with +700 odds. He narrowly ranks ahead of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik in odds.
While there is a lot of excitement around Manning, fans might need to temper their expectations. Manning will likely have a strong season, but it would not be shocking if he goes through growing pains as he adapts to a full-time college football schedule for the first time.
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