Arch Manning’s expert ranking provides the Texas quarterback with the drive he needs to surpass expectations.

When Arch Manning arrived in Austin, he brought more than just the most famous surname in football. The Texas quarterback was one of the most highly-touted recruits in history, drawing national attention for every throw he made in high school and every college decision he considered. But after enrolling at Texas, Manning quickly found himself in the shadow of Quinn Ewers, another five-star phenom who held onto the Longhorns’ starting job through the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

While fans and analysts debated whether Manning would ever live up to the hype, a quieter narrative took root behind the scenes—one fueled by rankings, criticism, and a chip on the shoulder of a quarterback determined to prove himself.

Now, as Texas looks toward a new era in 2025 with Ewers entering the NFL Draft and the Longhorns preparing for life in the SEC, Arch Manning is poised to take over the reins. And he’s not just motivated by legacy or opportunity. He’s driven by doubt.

The Weight of a Name

Arch Manning is no ordinary college football player. As the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning, and the son of Cooper Manning, his name comes with built-in expectations. When he committed to Texas over Alabama and Georgia, the decision was hailed as a major win for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. But with that hype came scrutiny.

For many, the assumption was that Arch would quickly ascend to the starting role and become a Heisman contender. That didn’t happen. Instead, he redshirted in 2023, saw limited action in 2024, and was largely kept in a developmental role while Ewers led the team to back-to-back New Year’s Six appearances.

And then came the expert rankings.

The Rankings That Lit a Fire

In late 2024, several major college football analysts and draft scouts released revised quarterback rankings. While Manning remained a highly regarded prospect, he was no longer considered the consensus No. 1 among his class. Players like Malachi Nelson at USC, Dante Moore at Oregon, and Nico Iamaleava at Tennessee received more national buzz.

Manning was ranked outside the top five on multiple expert boards—not due to any glaring weakness, but largely due to lack of playing time and uncertainty about his ceiling.

That didn’t sit well with Arch—or those close to him.

“Arch doesn’t talk a lot, but he reads everything,” said a source close to the Texas program. “Those rankings, the whispers that he was overrated—they stuck with him. And instead of letting it bother him, he used it. He’s in the facility earlier than anyone. He’s working harder than he ever has. He wants to show people he’s not just a Manning. He’s the Manning.”

Earning the Job

Heading into spring camp in 2025, there was technically a quarterback competition between Manning and Maalik Murphy, a strong-armed veteran with SEC experience. But within a few weeks, it became clear: this was Manning’s team.

“He earned it,” said head coach Steve Sarkisian. “We didn’t hand Arch anything. He’s been patient. He’s learned. And now, he’s taken control. The team responds to him. They believe in him.”

Manning’s growth hasn’t just been mental. According to coaches, he’s improved his mechanics, deep-ball accuracy, and command of Sarkisian’s playbook.

“He’s sharper, quicker, more confident,” Sarkisian added. “It’s everything you want from a young quarterback who’s been waiting for his moment.”

Teammates echo that sentiment.

“He’s a leader now,” said wide receiver Johntay Cook II. “You can feel it. It’s his time.”

Living Up to the Legacy

For Arch, the goal isn’t to emulate Peyton or Eli. It’s to build something of his own.

“This is his story,” said quarterback coach A.J. Milwee. “He’s never wanted to be in anyone’s shadow. The family’s proud of him, but they’re letting him do his thing. And Arch? He’s writing his own chapter.”

Still, the comparisons are unavoidable. Peyton and Eli both became college football stars and went on to win Super Bowls. Their preparation, football IQ, and clutch gene are part of football folklore. Arch shares those traits, but he’s carving a path unique to his generation.

“He grew up watching YouTube highlights of his uncles,” Milwee laughed. “But he’s also watched Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud. He wants to blend the old-school approach with today’s creativity.”

Facing the SEC Gauntlet

Texas’ 2025 schedule is brutal. Their first season in the SEC includes matchups with Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Arch Manning will be tested early—and often.

“He knows what’s coming,” Sarkisian said. “The SEC is no joke. But if you want to be great, this is where you prove it.”

For Arch, the pressure is part of the appeal.

“This is why he came to Texas,” said Cooper Manning in a rare interview. “He wanted to compete. He wanted to lead a program back to the top. He didn’t come here to sit. He came to make history.”

If he succeeds, Manning could restore Texas to the elite tier of college football. If he falters, the critics will be quick to pounce.

And he knows it.

The NIL Spotlight

Another wrinkle to Arch’s story is the era he plays in. Unlike Peyton and Eli, Arch Manning entered college with a multi-million-dollar NIL valuation. Though he’s kept a low profile on endorsements, reports indicate he’s earned well into seven figures since signing with Texas.

That kind of spotlight can be a distraction—but not for Arch.

“He doesn’t care about the money,” said a Texas staffer. “He’s actually pretty old-school. The brand deals are nice, but he’s not flashy. He’s about ball.”

Still, the pressure of being a high-paid, high-profile player with a Hall of Fame bloodline is immense. But Manning’s quiet, grounded demeanor has helped him navigate that world without losing focus.

Sarkisian’s Trust

Steve Sarkisian has worked with some of the game’s best quarterbacks, including Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones at Alabama. He sees similar potential in Manning.

“Arch is going to be one of the best to come through here,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got the tools, the mindset, and now, the opportunity.”

Sarkisian has also adjusted his offensive scheme to better fit Manning’s skill set. Expect more RPOs, deeper play-action concepts, and a faster tempo in 2025.

“This offense is built around Arch now,” Milwee confirmed. “We’re going to let him rip it.”

The Leadership Arc

The biggest shift in Arch Manning has come in his voice. Once quiet and reserved, he’s now a commanding presence in the huddle and locker room.

“He’s not a yeller, but when he speaks, everyone listens,” said Texas center Jake Majors. “You can tell he’s ready to lead.”

That growth has been years in the making. From high school in New Orleans to the pressure cooker of Texas football, Arch Manning has embraced each challenge with maturity beyond his years.

Now, the final piece of the puzzle awaits: producing on the field.

What Success Looks Like

What would a successful 2025 season look like for Manning and the Longhorns?

“Winning 10+ games and competing for an SEC title,” said former Longhorn QB Colt McCoy. “If Arch plays like we think he can, Texas could be in the Playoff.”

Statistically, the expectations are lofty. Analysts project Manning to throw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. But more important than numbers is his ability to rise in big games—especially against Alabama and Georgia.

“He’s going to have to win games late,” said ESPN’s Greg McElroy. “That’s where legacies are made. And I think Arch is built for those moments.”

Arch Manning has never been one for drama or self-promotion. He’s not chasing clout. He’s chasing greatness.

Critics questioned his rankings. Experts bumped him down their boards. But now, as the 2025 season approaches, Manning has a clear goal: silence the noise, exceed expectations, and lead Texas into the SEC with swagger and substance.

The name got him attention. The rankings gave him a reason to grind. But it’s the work—quiet, relentless, unseen—that will define Arch Manning’s story.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.