Texas Quarterback Arch Manning Poised to Lead the Heisman Race Entering 2025 With Sky-High Expectations and Immense National Spotlight
Arch Manning has been a household name since his high school days, and as the 2025 college football season approaches, he is finally stepping fully into the role that many have long believed he was destined to play: leading the Texas Longhorns as their starting quarterback with the Heisman Trophy in his sights. As the grandson of Archie Manning, nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and the former No. 1 overall recruit in his class, the expectations on Arch have always been enormous. Now, with Texas fully transitioned into the SEC and coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, Manning is not only the face of the Longhorns but potentially the face of college football as a whole.
With former starter Quinn Ewers now off to the NFL, the reins of Steve Sarkisian’s high-powered offense officially belong to Arch. His physical tools — elite arm strength, advanced pocket presence, and athletic mobility — are matched by his poise and football IQ. More importantly, after sitting behind Ewers and developing for two seasons, Manning now has a deep understanding of Sarkisian’s system and the patience and maturity to run it at a championship level. All of this adds up to why Vegas oddsmakers and media outlets alike are pegging Manning as the early favorite for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.
What makes this situation even more fascinating is the context around Manning’s rise. Unlike many top-tier quarterback prospects, Arch Manning wasn’t rushed into the spotlight. He didn’t start as a freshman and wasn’t thrust into a broken program. Instead, Texas allowed him to develop at a steady pace behind an experienced and successful quarterback in Ewers. Manning saw limited action in his first two years, but every report out of Austin indicates that he has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic, leadership, and growing command of the offense.
This methodical approach has set the stage for what could be a breakout campaign in 2025. Texas returns a strong supporting cast around Manning, including a deep offensive line, playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, and a solid running back rotation. Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders may have moved on to the NFL, but Sarkisian’s recruiting and the transfer portal have restocked the Longhorn arsenal. The line is anchored by future NFL talent, and the run game should be enough to prevent defenses from keying solely on Manning.
Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, which blends NFL concepts with tempo and misdirection, has long been quarterback-friendly. It helped turn Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa into college stars and turned Ewers into a projected first-round NFL Draft pick. Manning’s skill set arguably fits Sark’s system even better, combining the mobility of Tagovailoa with the processing speed and anticipation of a veteran quarterback. With Sarkisian calling plays and Manning executing them, the Texas offense could be among the most dangerous in the country.
But a Heisman campaign isn’t just about stats — it’s about narrative, team success, and national visibility. Manning checks all those boxes. His last name guarantees media attention, and Texas, now a full member of the SEC, will be playing a gauntlet of high-profile games. Matchups against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Oklahoma will be nationally televised, marquee events that give Manning the perfect platform to make his case. If Texas wins big and Manning shines in those moments, the Heisman hype will only intensify.
One of the most compelling aspects of Manning’s candidacy is the pressure that comes with it. Many players have cracked under the spotlight. But Arch seems uniquely built to handle it. The Mannings are football royalty, and he has grown up surrounded by professional athletes, elite coaches, and high-stakes environments. By all accounts, Arch is humble, team-oriented, and mentally tough — qualities that bode well for a long and successful season ahead.
There is also an intangible quality to Arch’s appeal that transcends stat sheets. He represents the hopes of an entire fan base — one that has been waiting for Texas to truly return to national prominence for over a decade. Last season’s playoff run reignited those hopes, but it’s Arch Manning who embodies the belief that Texas is back for good. His presence on the field signals a new era, and his play in 2025 will be a defining chapter in that story.
Defensively, Texas is expected to be stout, giving Manning more opportunities with favorable field position and less pressure to score on every drive. That balance between offense and defense is what makes teams championship-caliber and quarterbacks Heisman-worthy. A great quarterback on a mediocre team rarely wins the award, but a great quarterback on a playoff-bound team becomes a near-lock.
Manning’s 2025 Heisman pursuit also comes in a year that may lack a clear incumbent favorite. Many of last year’s stars have graduated or declared for the NFL Draft, creating a vacuum at the top. Other potential contenders like Carson Beck of Georgia, Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee, or Jalen Milroe of Alabama have talent but will be competing against each other and the harsh grind of SEC defenses. If Manning outshines them head-to-head — particularly in marquee matchups — he’ll gain a significant edge in the eyes of Heisman voters.
It’s also worth noting that the media machine will be in full gear. Every throw Manning makes will be analyzed. Every performance will be televised and dissected. And with the NIL era in full swing, Manning’s brand — already one of the most lucrative in college football — will be a powerful marketing tool not just for himself, but for Texas and the Heisman campaign that’s sure to follow. He’s already doing national commercials and drawing millions in endorsements; a Heisman would only further elevate his star power.
Still, success isn’t guaranteed. Even the most talented quarterbacks can stumble — whether due to injury, unexpected losses, or off-field distractions. Manning will need to stay healthy, stay focused, and continue to evolve each week. The SEC is unforgiving, and every team on Texas’ schedule will be gunning for them. Manning will face hostile road environments, relentless pass rushes, and schemes designed to confuse and pressure him. But overcoming those challenges is exactly what Heisman winners do.
If there’s any quarterback who appears prepared for that gauntlet, it’s Arch Manning. His journey has been deliberate, his development patient, and his moment finally at hand. With the full weight of the Longhorns program behind him and the national spotlight squarely focused, 2025 could very well be the year Arch Manning goes from future star to college football legend.
A Heisman Trophy would be more than a personal achievement — it would validate Texas’ long rebuild, reward Sarkisian’s strategic planning, and mark a symbolic return to greatness for a storied program. For Arch Manning, it would also be a legacy-defining honor in a family full of football greatness. And for the sport as a whole, it would be a storybook chapter written by the most famous name in football’s modern era.
So as the 2025 season dawns, all eyes will be on Austin. Can Arch Manning rise to the occasion and deliver on the immense promise that has surrounded him for years? The tools are there. The team is ready. The schedule is challenging. And the Heisman — if all goes according to plan — may soon be within reach.
