Arch Manning’s Texas entered the season with championship expectations, but the reality has been far from that. The recent 25-point loss to Georgia showed just how far the Longhorns have drifted from that standard.
Manning had moments of poise, but he also threw a costly interception and dealt with a collapsing pocket for most of the game. Ryan Wingo was targeted heavily because Texas lacked balance and consistency elsewhere.
After the loss, Steve Sarkisian’s postgame comments raised eyebrows. When asked by Kirk Bohls why Texas had underachieved this season, Sarkisian pushed back at the idea entirely. He dismissed the preseason No. 1 ranking as something placed on the program by voters, not an internal expectation.
“I guess that would be for the people that voted us No. 1,” Sarkisian said.
Question from @kbohls asking Steve Sarkisian why this #Texas team has underachieved in 2025.
“According to who?”
When pointed out that Texas was the preseason No. 1 team:
“I guess that would be for the people that voted us No. 1.”
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) November 17, 2025
He also defended Arkansas, emphasizing that its record didn’t reflect the overall quality. Instead of acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, he chose to challenge the premise that Texas has fallen short.
Sarkisian says Arkansas’ record is not indicative of how they have been playing.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) November 17, 2025
The team struggled mightily on third down, the running game evaporated, and the defense failed to respond once the Bulldogs gained momentum. Manning was under pressure throughout the night, which disrupted his timing and forced Texas into predictable situations.
This season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Longhorns fans. The highs have been worth celebrating, while the lows have crushed their morale. An overall 7-3 record or ending a four-game win streak with a blowout loss does very little for the fans to have faith in the team.
Manning and Wingo are not the root of the problem, but they represent a young offense still searching for consistency. Sarkisian’s unwillingness to dissect the failures publicly may be an attempt to shield his players, but it also leaves the impression that the program is avoiding hard truths.
Arch Manning’s 2025 Season
Through the 2025 season, Arch Manning has shown talent, progress, and growing pains. His numbers tell a clear story. He has thrown for 2,374 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His 62.8 QBR, ranked 57th nationally, reflects a quarterback with promise but also one who is still learning how to anchor an elite offense.
Manning has delivered strong stretches, but he has also struggled under pressure, particularly against top defenses. Drops from receivers, an inconsistent run game, and shaky offensive line play have not helped him.
Still, his decision-making and composure have improved as the season has progressed. The Georgia game exposed the gap between where Texas wants to be and where it currently stands, but it did not erase the strides Manning has made.
As for his NFL future, Manning remains a high-profile prospect because of his arm talent, pedigree, and long-term ceiling. However, he is not yet viewed as a finished product.
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