Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is urging Longhorns fans to show grace as Arch Manning finally steps into the spotlight. After backing up Quinn Ewers for two years, Manning is set to take over under center this fall.
While recent player rankings vary—some placing him in the top 10, others leaving him off entirely—2026 mock drafts already project him as a first-round pick. Despite speculation about a two-year starting stint, Sarkisian wants fans to support Manning’s moment rather than rush the journey.
Steve Sarkisian Asks for Grace As Arch Manning Steps Into the Spotlight
Sarkisian is urging Longhorns fans to be patient and supportive as Arch Manning prepares to take over as the starting quarterback this fall. Speaking at the Touchdown Club of Houston’s Texas luncheon, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of letting Manning enjoy his long-awaited opportunity.
“I hope for everyone here, we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves. Let’s let this guy go play this year. Let’s let him have fun,” Sarkisian said. “It’s been a lifelong dream for this guy to do this. I just want to make sure that we all support him in his journey.”
Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning: “I hope for everyone here, we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves. Lets let this guy go play this year. Lets let him have fun. He finally gets his opportunity to start at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. It’s been a lifelong dream for this…
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) April 28, 2025
Manning, who waited two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, now steps into the spotlight with immense expectations. Sarkisian referenced childhood videos of Manning wearing Longhorns gear, noting that this moment has been years in the making.
While some believe Manning could be a one-and-done starter due to his elite traits and pedigree, Sarkisian made it clear he hopes the decision for 2026 doesn’t come easily.
“Here’s what I hope,” Sarkisian said. “I hope he’s got a really hard decision to make on about January 21st. That means we played a long time. That means he probably had a really good season. And that means he’s probably trying to figure out do I want one more year in the burnt orange or is it time to go to the NFL.”
Despite early 2026 mock drafts projecting Manning as a first-round pick, his experience remains limited. Manning has logged only 260 career snaps at Texas. For comparison, Ewers played 901 snaps last season and 2,345 overall for the Longhorns.
Recent first-rounders like Jaxson Dart (3,125 snaps), Cam Ward (over 4,000 combined between FBS and FCS), and Dillon Gabriel (4,553 snaps) entered the league with significantly more in-game action.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Sarkisian’s message is simple: give Manning the time and space to grow, enjoy the moment, and chase the dream he’s had since childhood—without rushing the NFL conversation.
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