Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Commends Quarterback Arch Manning’s Poise, Patience, and Leadership in Competitive Longhorns Quarterback Room
The Texas Longhorns football program is in the middle of a transformation—one powered by elite recruiting, savvy coaching, and an insatiable hunger to return to national prominence. At the heart of this journey is head coach Steve Sarkisian, a respected offensive mind with NFL and college success under his belt. Yet amid the headlines and hype surrounding Texas’ move to the SEC and its ambitious title pursuits, one figure stands calmly in the background, preparing, learning, and waiting for his moment: Arch Manning.
The name “Manning” alone evokes expectations of greatness. Grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and nephew to two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, Peyton and Eli, Arch entered the spotlight before he ever threw a pass in college. He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, a player whose every move was tracked by scouts, analysts, and fans across the nation.
Yet unlike many five-star quarterbacks used to immediate stardom, Arch Manning hasn’t rushed his rise. He hasn’t demanded the spotlight or grown frustrated waiting his turn behind starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Instead, he’s taken the long view—a mindset that has impressed Sarkisian and reinforced why the Longhorns believe Manning is the real deal.
Steve Sarkisian spoke recently about Manning’s development and demeanor, and his words carried weight. “Arch has been phenomenal,” Sarkisian said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more. What’s most impressive isn’t just his talent—which is off the charts—it’s his patience, his maturity, and his work ethic. He’s handled everything with class.”
For Sarkisian, who has coached Heisman winners and NFL stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Matt Leinart, and Mac Jones, evaluating quarterback talent goes beyond arm strength or highlight reels. It’s about poise, decision-making, and the ability to elevate a team. Arch Manning, according to Sarkisian, checks all those boxes—and is developing at exactly the right pace.
Manning redshirted in his freshman season in 2023. While that might have disappointed some fans hoping for a quick debut, it was part of a carefully crafted plan. Sarkisian and his staff wanted to protect Manning from undue pressure and let him grow behind Ewers, the highly touted starter who led Texas to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
“Quinn did an excellent job last season, and Arch never once complained or showed frustration,” Sarkisian added. “He supported his teammates, stayed locked in, and improved every single day in practice. That kind of leadership is rare—especially from someone that young and that famous.”
Indeed, for someone with such a public profile, Manning’s ability to stay grounded is remarkable. In an era of transfer portals, NIL deals, and instant gratification, many quarterbacks in Arch’s position might have looked for a quick path to playing time elsewhere. But not him. He’s stayed loyal to the program, trusting the coaching staff, and committed to the process.
Insiders say his day-to-day habits are a blueprint for young quarterbacks: first to arrive, last to leave, always asking questions, always studying film. He’s building chemistry with teammates, refining his technique, and learning the intricacies of Sarkisian’s complex offensive system.
“He doesn’t carry himself like a five-star,” said one team insider. “He’s humble. He listens more than he talks. And when he does speak up, it’s meaningful.”
This humility has won over the locker room, a crucial factor when a player’s surname comes with such expectations. It’s easy to imagine a locker room resenting the media attention or constant comparisons, but that hasn’t been the case with Manning. His teammates respect his approach, and Sarkisian has fostered a culture where competition is healthy and everyone earns their place.
Sarkisian has also been strategic in managing the quarterback room, making sure each player feels valued and prepared. Ewers, a former five-star himself, has grown under Sark’s tutelage, while backup Maalik Murphy also showed flashes of brilliance before transferring to Duke in search of starting opportunities. That decision opened the door for Manning to become the clear No. 2—and potentially heir apparent once Ewers departs for the NFL.
While Sarkisian hasn’t officially named a successor, it’s widely assumed that Manning will get his shot in 2026. And when that day comes, Texas fans believe he’ll be ready—not because of hype, but because of how he’s prepared behind the scenes.
The 2025 season will be a pivotal one. With Texas entering its first full year in the SEC, the pressure is cranked up. The Longhorns face a brutal schedule featuring Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other powerhouse programs. Ewers will lead the charge again, but Manning’s development will remain a central storyline.
“I’ve always believed in preparing quarterbacks like they’re the starter,” Sarkisian said. “You never know when your number is going to be called. And if Arch gets that opportunity, he’ll be ready. I have no doubt.”
Recruiting experts and analysts have echoed those sentiments. “Arch Manning has all the tools to be a star,” said one scout. “He has elite arm talent, football IQ, and a feel for the game that you just can’t teach. What separates him is his character. That’s what makes future NFL GMs so intrigued.”
Manning’s commitment to Texas, even with other programs surely monitoring his situation, also signals the trust he has in Sarkisian’s vision. The two have built a strong bond, and Sark’s background as a quarterback himself helps him connect with his signal-callers in a unique way.
“I know what it’s like to be in that pocket,” Sarkisian said. “I know what they’re seeing. And I know what kind of mental toughness it takes to thrive at this level. Arch has that.”
It’s no surprise that NFL buzz is already building around Manning, even if he hasn’t started a college game yet. His mechanics are clean, his pocket presence advanced, and his football pedigree unmatched. But what has NFL scouts even more intrigued is his demeanor. No moment seems too big, no task too small.
That mindset is precisely what Sarkisian praised most. “He’s patient, but he’s also driven. He’s not content with just being here. He wants to be great—and he’s putting in the work to get there.”
As Texas continues its journey through the SEC, the Longhorns’ quarterback legacy is in good hands. Whether it’s in mop-up duty this year or as the full-time starter next year, Arch Manning’s time will come. And when it does, he’ll be stepping into the spotlight not just with a famous name, but with the kind of preparation and poise that turns potential into greatness.
In many ways, Sarkisian’s praise reflects not just a coach’s admiration for talent, but his appreciation for character. In an age of quarterback carousel chaos, Arch Manning represents a rare story of patience, development, and loyalty—qualities that might just help Texas return to the top of college football.
