May 21, 2025
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Arch Manning inherits QB1 throne as Texas Longhorns chase national title amid huge expectations and severe scrutiny

The moment Texas fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the 2023 recruiting class and the most famous surname in college football, has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. In a move that feels as historic as it does inevitable, Manning steps into the role with a blend of sky-high expectations, intense national scrutiny, and the weight of a program desperate to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.

Manning’s promotion to QB1 comes at a pivotal time for Texas. After years of promise, near-misses, and frustration, the Longhorns are finally poised for a genuine shot at a national title. The roster is stacked with NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball, head coach Steve Sarkisian is hitting his stride, and the program is riding a wave of momentum as it enters the SEC era.

But with great opportunity comes tremendous pressure—and no one feels that more than Arch.

From the moment he set foot on a high school field, Arch Manning was more than just another quarterback prospect—he was a phenomenon. The grandson of Archie Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli, and the son of Cooper Manning, Arch has carried a legacy few could fathom, let alone live up to. And yet, somehow, he’s done just that.

At Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Manning dazzled with his arm strength, poise, and uncanny football IQ. His recruitment became a spectacle in itself, with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Clemson all vying for his signature. When he chose Texas in June 2022, it sent shockwaves through the college football world and signaled a turning point for the Longhorns.

Still, despite the fame and the name, Manning has remained grounded. Known for his humility and work ethic, he quietly sat behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, learning the system, adapting to the college game, and waiting for his moment.

That moment has arrived.

Quinn Ewers’ departure for the NFL opened the door for Manning, but it didn’t guarantee the job. Sarkisian made it clear that the competition would be real, with talented backups like Maalik Murphy in the mix. Still, Manning separated himself in spring camp, combining command of the offense with elite arm talent and leadership.

“He’s got the ‘it’ factor,” Sarkisian said after the spring game. “You can’t teach that kind of presence. He’s still learning, but when he’s on the field, the guys believe in him—and that’s everything at the quarterback position.”

Ewers, who had a productive if sometimes inconsistent tenure as the starter, leaves big shoes to fill. But there’s a belief in Austin that Manning isn’t just ready—he’s built for this.

One of the biggest advantages Manning will have in his debut season as starter is the sheer amount of talent around him. Texas boasts one of the most dynamic offensive arsenals in the country, beginning with a deep and explosive receiving corps.

Xavier Worthy may be gone, but Johntay Cook II and Isaiah Bond are primed to break out. Add in Jordan Whittington’s experience, DeAndre Moore Jr.’s speed, and the steady hands of tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, and it’s clear that Manning won’t lack targets.

In the backfield, Cedric Baxter Jr. looks like the next great Texas running back, combining power, vision, and big-play ability. The offensive line, headlined by All-American Kelvin Banks Jr., is arguably the best Texas has fielded in over a decade.

“We’re going to make it easy on Arch,” said offensive coordinator Kyle Flood. “He doesn’t have to win games by himself. He just has to do his job—and he’s very, very good at that.”

While much of the national focus will remain on Manning and the offense, it’s the defense that could be the X-factor in Texas’ title run. Boasting a top-10 unit in nearly every preseason ranking, the Longhorns return several key players from a group that ranked among the best in the Big 12 last year.

Edge rusher Ethan Burke, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and defensive backs Jahdae Barron and Terrance Brooks provide leadership and game-changing ability. The defensive front is deep and physical, capable of disrupting even the most powerful SEC offenses.

New defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, poached from Arizona, has brought an aggressive and disciplined edge to the unit, and early signs suggest this defense could be special.

Just as Manning takes the reins, Texas enters the most grueling gauntlet in college football: the Southeastern Conference. In 2025, the Longhorns will face a schedule that includes Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and rival Texas A&M—teams with both championship aspirations and rosters to match.

The margin for error is slim. Manning won’t have the luxury of growing into the role—he’ll be tested early, often, and brutally. Every mistake will be magnified, every triumph will be scrutinized.

But if Texas truly is back, this is the crucible they must pass through. And there’s a growing belief that with Manning under center, they just might do it.

There’s no sugarcoating the pressure on Arch Manning. He’s the face of a storied program, the heir to a legendary football family, and now, the focal point of one of the most closely watched seasons in college football history.

Every throw he makes will be analyzed. Every misstep will trend. Every win will elevate him, and every loss will prompt finger-pointing. It’s the double-edged sword of being a Manning and playing quarterback at Texas.

But those close to the program insist he’s ready.

“He’s calm in the chaos,” said one assistant coach. “He’s not phased by the noise. If anything, he thrives on it. He’s been groomed for this his whole life.”

Off the field, Manning has leaned on his famous uncles for advice. Eli and Peyton have both attended practices and meetings, offering mentorship without interference. It’s a delicate balance—being supportive without overshadowing.

“He’s his own player,” said Peyton Manning in an interview this spring. “He doesn’t need to be me or Eli or anyone else. He’s Arch, and that’s more than enough.”

The last time Texas won a national title was 2005. Since then, the Longhorns have cycled through coaches, quarterbacks, and countless “we’re back” declarations. In Arch Manning, they may finally have the player—and the moment—that justifies the hype.

But in the brutal landscape of the SEC, potential doesn’t mean much without performance. Sarkisian has assembled an elite roster, built a winning culture, and positioned Texas for greatness. Now, it’s time to deliver.

Anything short of a College Football Playoff berth will be considered a disappointment. A national championship isn’t just the dream—it’s the expectation.

And that expectation now rests squarely on the shoulders of a 20-year-old quarterback from New Orleans.

Arch Manning’s journey is just beginning, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. He’s not just inheriting a position—he’s inheriting the hopes of a fanbase, the ambitions of a program, and the legacy of a family that helped define the quarterback position.

He has the tools. He has the support. He has the stage.

Now he has to go out and win.

The Longhorns have handed him the keys. Whether he drives them to glory—or crashes under the weight of expectation—will define not just his career, but the next era of Texas football.

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