The college football world has been buzzing about Arch Manning’s first full season as a starter, but ESPN analyst Josh Pate is trying to keep realistic expectations of the Texas quarterback.
In a recent segment on ESPN’s college football show, Pate gave his perspective on being asked about expectations from Manning ahead of the new season.
“This is not Xbox. It’s the real world,” Pate emphasized, addressing the hype that has followed Manning throughout his football journey.
For Arch Manning, the reality check comes at a critical moment entering the 2025 season as he has little experience and a lot of expectations. Manning has only played 12 games as far as his college career is concerned, with 969 yards passing, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Josh Pate also added that head coach Steve Sarkisian has built the roster around Manning’s skill set.
“Steve Sarkisian, I was there in the spring. He said we’ve built towards this year,” Pate revealed.
“They’ve stacked their entire roster and developed their guys to work around Arch Manning.”
Sarkisian’s strategic approach implies that the program is wholly committed to maximizing Manning’s potential and minimizing the pressure put on him as being the team captain and quarterback.
Josh Pate Highlights Arch Manning’s Role In The Upcoming Season
While talking about Arch Manning in the upcoming season, Arch Manning acknowledged that he’s been in the football circuit for quite some time. He specifically mentioned that Manning has been known to the football world for over half a decade, spanning three years in high school and three years in college. He said:
“My expectation (from Manning) is pretty good to really good. He doesn’t need to be a superhero.”
“It needs to be the Texas Show just sort of featuring Arch Manning. That’s what I expect,” he added.
This slow and measured take is opposite to the Heisman Trophy chatter and talk of being a potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick that Manning has been a part of.
Manning, who has been a backup and change-of-pace quarterback the whole last season and is taking over for Quinn Ewers, as the starting quarterback of a championship-level program.
The timing couldn’t be better, as Texas opens with a tough opening match against a premier level opponent in Ohio State.
Also Read:
- SEC and Big Ten Starting Quarterbacks: Full List of Stars Set To Lead Their Teams Ft. Arch Manning, Julian Sayin and More
- Ryan Wingo’s “Memorable Cookout” Gets Special Shoutout From Texas QB Arch Manning: “Hopefully I Get Invited To Some More”
- “Could Have Hurt Defenses”: CFB Insider Details Area To Improve In for Texas Star Arch Manning Ahead of 2025 Season
