Joel Klatt, a prominent college football analyst, dropped an announcement that has shaken up the sport.
Arch Manning, still early in his college journey, has shown flashes of brilliance that echo Trevor Lawrence’s dominance at Clemson. But how close is the resemblance, and what does it mean for Manning’s future?
Arch Manning’s Emergence as a Texas Star in 2024
“He threatens every blade of grass on the field with a really strong arm, and he’s accurate and smart with it,” Klatt said. “He flashed this ability to run that looks like Trevor Lawrence.”
Klatt’s comparison of the Texas Longhorns quarterback to Lawrence, the former Clemson superstar and NFL first-overall pick, is a bold claim that demands exploration.
Manning arrived at Texas in 2023 with a spotlight few could match. As the top recruit in his class and a member of football royalty, nephew to Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson to Archie, expectations were very high.
View this post on Instagram
After redshirting his first year, Manning stepped into action in 2024, seizing opportunities when starter Quinn Ewers went down with an injury. What followed were performances that really announced him, sparking conversations.
Klatt praised Manning’s arm strength, noting he’s “better throwing the ball down the field than even Quinn Ewers was.” This is a big compliment, considering Ewers was a highly regarded quarterback. Manning’s ability to push the ball deep with accuracy has been evident in his limited starts.
Against Mississippi State in Sept. 2024, he threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his arm on several long completions. Beyond the arm, Manning’s mobility has surprised many. Klatt highlighted this trait, pointing out how it mirrors Lawrence’s running ability.
In a start against UTSA, Manning scrambled for a 67-yard touchdown, a play that showcased not just speed but instincts to evade defenders. These moments have fueled the narrative that Manning could be more than a pocket passer, like Lawrence was at Clemson.
Trevor Lawrence’s College Legacy Sets a High Bar
To grasp the weight of Klatt’s comparison, Trevor Lawrence’s college tenure at Clemson offers the benchmark. Arriving in 2018 as the nation’s top recruit, Lawrence wasted no time making an impact.
As a true freshman, he took over as a starter midseason and led Clemson to a national championship. Over three years, he posted a 34-2 record, cementing his status as a generational talent.
He finished with 10,098 passing yards, 90 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, boasting a 66.6% completion rate. His arm strength allowed him to hit receivers at every level, while his accuracy kept turnovers low.
But Lawrence wasn’t one-dimensional. He added 943 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, using his 6’6″ frame to power through defenders or escape pressure. This blend of passing prowess and athleticism is what Klatt sees flickering in Manning’s game.
Lawrence thrived in big moments, too. Three straight College Football Playoff appearances, two national title game trips, and a calm-under-pressure demeanor defined his run. Any comparison to him isn’t just about stats; it’s about the ability to elevate a program, something Manning is only beginning to explore in Texas.
How Manning’s Playing Style Echoes Lawrence’s Strengths
Manning’s deep-ball ability stands out. Klatt’s note about threatening “every blade of grass on the field” rings true when watching his tape. Against Louisiana-Monroe in 2024, he connected on a 56-yard pass, dropping it perfectly into his receiver’s hands.
Lawrence had a similar knack, regularly hitting deep shots during Clemson’s title run.
KEEP READING: Steve Sarkisian Reveals Real Challenge of Coaching Arch Manning at Texas
In the 2018 championship game, he threw for 347 yards, many on long, precise strikes. Mobility is another shared trait. Lawrence wasn’t a run-first quarterback, but his 563 rushing yards as a sophomore showed he could hurt teams with his legs.
Decision-making offers a contrast. Lawrence rarely faltered, with only four interceptions as a freshman. Manning, in his small sample, has been efficient but not flawless. He threw two picks against Georgia in October 2024, a sign of youth that Lawrence largely avoided. Still, Manning’s poise for a first-year starter hints at growth potential.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
