A New Era Dawns in Austin: How Arch Manning’s Texas Ascendance Convinced Klatt and Cowherd of His 1A QB Stardom

The hallowed halls of college football commentary have been buzzing with a singular, electrifying narrative: Arch Manning. Not since his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli, graced the gridiron has a quarterback prospect arrived with such an intoxicating cocktail of pedigree, raw talent, and burgeoning performance. While the hype surrounding the young Texas Longhorn has been palpable since his commitment, it is his recent starts that have truly crystallized the belief among seasoned analysts like Joel Klatt and Colin Cowherd that he is, unequivocally, college football’s 1A quarterback. This isn’t merely about flashes of brilliance; it’s about a consistent, high-level execution that belies his limited collegiate experience, showcasing an innate understanding of the game and a physical prowess that threatens defenses across every blade of grass.

The journey to this exalted status has been a fascinating one. For a player who entered his third collegiate season without being a consistent starter, the fervor might seem premature to some. However, the whispers of his talent have grown into a roar, now amplified by his performances when given the keys to the Longhorns’ offense. Manning’s ascent has catapulted Texas into the upper echelons of early polling, with many already tabbing him as a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. The offseason, far from cooling the “Arch fire,” has instead added more fuel, as national analysts across the spectrum continue to sing his praises, pushing him firmly onto the top of 2026 NFL Draft Big Boards.

Among the most vocal proponents of Manning’s undeniable talent are the prominent Fox Sports talking heads, Joel Klatt and Colin Cowherd. During a recent appearance on “The Herd,” Klatt’s assessment was nothing short of declarative: Arch Manning is the second-best quarterback in college football. While some might argue the precise ranking, the conviction in Klatt’s voice, and his detailed breakdown of Manning’s skillset, left a lasting impression. “Arch is the second-best quarterback in college football,” Klatt emphatically stated, reiterating for emphasis, “The second best.” He elaborated, detailing why the Texas quarterback’s game is so lethal: “He threatens every blade of grass on the field with a really strong arm. He’s accurate and smart with it and better at throwing the ball down the field than even Quinn Ewers was.” This isn’t just about arm talent; Klatt also drew a compelling comparison to a generational talent, noting, “I think Arch is a lot of what we saw Trevor Lawrence become at Clemson,” particularly highlighting Manning’s movement and scrambling ability, saying he “flashed this ability to run that looks like Trevor.”

Colin Cowherd, known for his discerning eye and often contrarian takes, seemed thoroughly convinced by Klatt’s arguments. It’s a testament to Manning’s impact that even a pundit as seasoned as Cowherd is embracing the hype, recognizing the substance behind the speculation. The debate, if there ever truly was one, about whether Manning is simply benefiting from his legendary last name, is steadily being eroded by the undeniable evidence of his on-field production. While the “Smith” surname might not generate the same initial buzz, Manning’s play is transcending his lineage, proving that the talent is indeed inherent.

Let’s delve into the actual performances that have fueled this widespread conviction. Despite his limited starts, Manning has demonstrated an athleticism and football IQ that are rare for a player of his experience. When Quinn Ewers, the former starting quarterback, was sidelined with an oblique injury, Manning stepped into the spotlight and seized the opportunity. His ability to deliver strikes to every part of the field, combined with his surprising mobility for a quarterback of his stature (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), instantly created a more dynamic offensive threat for the Longhorns. Yahoo Sports staff writer Nate Tice, for instance, has highlighted Manning’s “twitchiness” and “flexibility,” attributes not necessarily associated with his Super Bowl-winning uncles, yet clearly evident in Arch’s game. His 15-yard scramble on a crucial fourth down against Texas A&M exemplified his dual-threat potential, showcasing his threat both as a scrambler and on designed runs.

Beyond his athleticism, Manning’s accuracy and aggressiveness as a thrower are consistently cited as his biggest assets. He exhibits an uncanny willingness to push the ball deep when opportunities arise, and his arm strength is clearly prodigious. While early in-game opportunities saw him taking an extra half-second to confirm a receiver’s openness, these were rookie jitters that, as Tice points out, Manning has never repeated. His performances against UL Monroe and Mississippi State were particularly illuminating. In back-to-back starts, he torched their defenses, totaling 583 passing yards and four touchdowns. While he admittedly graded himself a “C-plus” after the ULM game, acknowledging “a lot to improve on, stuff that I want back,” it also highlighted his self-awareness and drive for perfection. He was 15-of-29 for 259 yards and two touchdowns against ULM, showcasing a powerful arm on deep balls even with some forced throws and missed receivers. However, his follow-up against Mississippi State was a masterclass, where he completed 26-of-31 pass attempts for a career-high 325 yards and two touchdowns, earning a Pro Football Focus grade that put him among the top quarterbacks for the week. This rapid improvement, even against less formidable opponents, speaks volumes about his processing speed and ability to adapt.

The transition from a backup to the undisputed QB1 for the Texas Longhorns now carries immense weight and expectation. With Quinn Ewers having moved on to the NFL, the starting job is unequivocally Manning’s, and all eyes will be on him as Texas embarks on its new chapter in the SEC. The pressure, amplified by his family name and the team’s elevated expectations, is immense. Yet, if the observations of Klatt and Cowherd, and the glimpses of his play so far, are any indication, Manning is not only ready but poised to exceed the hype. Klatt’s confidence is rooted not only in Manning’s individual talent but also in the system and coaching around him. “I believe in him, I believe in his coach, I think that this program is one of the three best programs in college football right now — it’s time for Arch Manning,” Klatt articulated, underscoring the foundational support that will allow Manning to thrive. He further noted the discernible difference in the offense when Manning was at the helm compared to Ewers, explaining that Manning “puts more players in conflict on the field.”

The comparison to Trevor Lawrence is particularly striking. Lawrence’s tenure at Clemson was defined by his exceptional arm strength and uncanny mobility, a rare combination that allowed him to both create throwing lanes and be a significant threat on the ground. Manning, despite not being initially perceived as a dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of this very athleticism, surprising many with his ability to scramble and extend plays. This dynamic element only adds to his versatility and makes him an even more difficult proposition for opposing defenses.

While the college football landscape is replete with highly touted recruits who fail to live up to expectations, Arch Manning’s trajectory appears different. His patient approach, waiting his turn despite constant rumors of transfer, has drawn praise and set him apart in an era of immediate gratification and portal hopping. He has demonstrated a commitment to his development within the Texas program, a refreshing rarity. Now, with a stacked wide receiver corps, a strong offensive line, and an offense designed by Steve Sarkisian to maximize his talents, Manning is positioned for a breakout season. The endorsements from prominent figures like Joel Klatt and Colin Cowherd aren’t just speculative praise; they are informed judgments based on the tangible evidence of a young quarterback who, even in limited starts, has showcased the traits of a true college football titan. The 1A designation isn’t just about potential; it’s about the very real, immediate impact Arch Manning is poised to make on the sport.