Former Texas Longhorn Legend Boldly Predicts a Breakout 2025 Season for Arch Manning as Longhorns Eye College Football Glory
Expectations have always followed Arch Manning like a shadow. With a last name synonymous with quarterback greatness and a skill set that dazzled recruiters across the country, the young signal-caller’s journey has been under the microscope since his early high school days. Now, heading into the 2025 college football season, one of Texas’ all-time greats believes this will be the year everything clicks for Manning in Austin—and that belief is stirring excitement throughout the Longhorns fanbase.
Colt McCoy, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Texas Longhorns history, recently made headlines by sharing his bold prediction for Manning’s redshirt sophomore campaign. McCoy, who led the Longhorns to a national championship appearance in 2009 and still ranks among the program’s all-time passing leaders, didn’t mince words: he thinks Arch Manning is poised for a breakout year that could put Texas back in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt.
“He’s got everything you want in a quarterback—pedigree, poise, and a passion for the game that’s rare even at this level,” McCoy said during an appearance on a national college football podcast. “I’ve been watching his development closely, and I truly believe this is the season Arch takes the reins and never looks back. Texas fans are in for something special.”
That kind of endorsement carries weight. McCoy is not only a Texas legend, but also someone who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level of college football. His backing of Manning suggests that the buzz surrounding the young quarterback isn’t just based on name recognition or recruiting hype—it’s rooted in what he’s shown behind the scenes and in limited game action.
Manning spent his freshman year learning the ropes, sitting behind Quinn Ewers and soaking up the nuances of the college game. While there were calls from some corners of the fanbase for Manning to play, head coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear that the plan was to develop Arch gradually, avoiding the pitfalls that sometimes come with thrusting a young quarterback into action too soon. That patience might be about to pay off.
In 2024, Manning saw more meaningful snaps as Ewers battled injuries and inconsistency. Though the sample size was small, flashes of brilliance were undeniable. His arm strength, pocket awareness, and composure under pressure were all evident, even in high-leverage moments. More importantly, he showed a command of Sarkisian’s offense that impressed the coaching staff and his teammates alike.
Now, with Ewers having declared for the NFL Draft and the starting job firmly in his hands, the spotlight is officially on Arch. And according to those close to the program, he’s been embracing it.
Reports out of spring practice were overwhelmingly positive. Manning was sharper, more vocal, and more confident than ever before. He’s bulked up physically, improved his footwork, and deepened his understanding of Sarkisian’s complex, pro-style system. Teammates have praised his leadership, noting that he’s taken on a more assertive role in the locker room and is holding himself—and everyone around him—to a higher standard.
“He’s not just trying to live up to the family name,” one Texas offensive lineman said anonymously. “He wants to build his own legacy, and we all see how serious he is about that. He’s the real deal.”
Of course, the name “Manning” brings its own set of challenges. Arch is the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, two of the most recognizable and successful quarterbacks in NFL history. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was a college football legend in his own right. That kind of lineage can be both a blessing and a burden. Expectations have been sky-high from the moment Arch committed to Texas over other blue-blood programs, and anything short of greatness is often viewed as a disappointment.
But if there’s pressure, Arch doesn’t seem to be feeling it. Coaches have praised his maturity and even-keeled demeanor, noting that he doesn’t get rattled easily and has shown a remarkable ability to tune out the noise.
That mental toughness will be crucial as he steps into a starting role in one of the most scrutinized programs in college football. Texas enters the 2025 season with a loaded roster, returning key pieces on both sides of the ball and bringing in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. The offensive line is experienced, the receiving corps is deep, and the running back room remains one of the strongest in the country.
More importantly, the expectations are sky-high after last year’s near-miss in the College Football Playoff. Texas came agonizingly close to reaching the national championship game in 2024 but fell just short in the semifinals. That experience has only fueled the fire for a program desperate to return to the mountaintop.
Manning’s development will be central to those hopes. If he can live up to the potential that so many—McCoy included—see in him, the Longhorns could be a legitimate title contender. Sarkisian’s offensive system is tailor-made for a quarterback with Manning’s skill set: quick decision-making, accurate throws to all levels of the field, and the ability to make plays outside the pocket when protection breaks down.
There’s also a growing belief that Manning’s chemistry with the Longhorns’ top weapons will be a major storyline. Wide receiver Johntay Cook II, a former five-star recruit, is entering his junior year and is expected to be a go-to target. Tight end Jaden Platt has emerged as a reliable red zone threat, and the running back tandem of Cedric Baxter Jr. and Tre Wisner gives Texas balance and explosiveness in the backfield.
If Manning can orchestrate this offense with precision, he could quickly enter the Heisman Trophy conversation. That’s not hyperbole—it’s the kind of season some insiders believe he’s capable of producing. And with McCoy’s endorsement fueling the hype, the narrative is beginning to shift from “potential” to “expectation.”
Still, there are challenges ahead. The Longhorns now reside in the SEC, and their 2025 schedule is a gauntlet. Road trips to LSU and Georgia loom large, and a mid-season clash with Alabama in Austin could have massive playoff implications. Manning won’t have the luxury of easing into the role; he’ll be tested early and often against elite defenses that will look to rattle the young quarterback.
But that’s exactly what makes McCoy’s confidence so compelling. He’s seen what it takes to navigate a full college season, and he believes Manning has the tools—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—to rise to the occasion.
“He’s not just talented,” McCoy said. “He’s smart. He works harder than anyone else on that field. And he’s not afraid of the moment. That’s what separates the good ones from the great ones.”
Time will tell whether McCoy’s prediction comes true. But as the 2025 season approaches, there’s a renewed sense of optimism in Austin. For the first time in over a decade, Texas appears to have stability at quarterback, star power at key positions, and the kind of internal belief that championship teams often possess.
Arch Manning may have started his college career quietly, but that’s about to change. With the spotlight squarely on him, the support of a Texas legend behind him, and a championship-caliber roster around him, the stage is set for a defining season.
Whether it ends with a conference title, a playoff run, or something even bigger, one thing is clear: the Arch Manning era at Texas is here. And if Colt McCoy is right, it’s going to be unforgettable.
