Mack Brown Sparks Buzz Comparing Arch Manning to Vince Young Ahead of 2025 Season and Texas Longhorns’ SEC Transition

At the 2025 Big 12 Media Days, legendary Texas Longhorns coach Mack Brown reignited the spark of Longhorns football lore by making a bold and headline-grabbing comparison. Speaking with reporters during the event, Brown likened rising quarterback Arch Manning to none other than Vince Young—the transcendent talent who led Texas to its unforgettable 2005 national championship win. That team, etched into college football history, was built around Young’s unmatched dual-threat capabilities, cool under pressure, and unshakable will to win. So when Brown, who coached that iconic squad, drew parallels between the two quarterbacks, it wasn’t just idle praise. It was a statement with weight, intended or not, that adds fuel to the ever-growing anticipation surrounding Manning’s ascension.

Brown didn’t mince words when describing what he sees in Manning. “He’s got that same fire and playmaking ability,” the coach said, eyes gleaming with the kind of excitement that only future greatness can inspire. “You see the way he moves, the way he sees the field—it reminds me a lot of Vince.” This isn’t the first time comparisons have been made between Arch Manning and some of college football’s greats. But coming from the coach who guided Vince Young to his iconic performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl against USC, the praise carries added significance.

Arch Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, has had to bide his time. Sitting behind incumbent starter Quinn Ewers, Manning has spent the past two seasons developing, learning, and waiting for his moment. That moment appears to be now. With Ewers headed for the NFL, all signs point to Manning taking the reins in 2025. And it’s not just Texas fans who are watching closely. The entire college football world is tuned in to see whether Manning can live up to the towering expectations that come with his last name and the generational hype that has surrounded him since high school.

From the outset, Manning’s pedigree has made him a subject of intense scrutiny and fascination. As the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of college football legend Archie Manning, Arch has had a spotlight on him before he ever threw a college pass. But those close to him say he’s handled the pressure with uncommon poise and maturity, two qualities Mack Brown made sure to highlight.

“What impresses me most isn’t just the talent—it’s the way he carries himself,” Brown said. “He’s humble, he’s driven, and he knows nothing is going to be handed to him. That’s rare in a young man with his background.”

Still, talent matters. And according to those inside the Texas program, Manning has all the tools to be special. At 6’4″ and nearly 220 pounds, he has the size of a prototypical NFL quarterback. But it’s his mobility and field vision that have begun to turn heads at practice. While he hasn’t yet had many opportunities to showcase his skills in-game, coaches and teammates alike describe a player who is rapidly developing into a complete quarterback. Manning’s arm strength and accuracy on deep throws have improved markedly, while his pocket presence—often a challenge for young quarterbacks—has drawn praise even from defensive coaches.

The Vince Young comparison, while flattering, also underscores what Texas fans hope will be a full-circle moment. The 2005 championship season remains the program’s gold standard, and many have longed for a return to those heights. The team has come close at times, but inconsistency at quarterback and coaching turnover have kept Texas from reclaiming its place among college football’s elite. Now, with a stable coaching staff, a deep roster, and Manning poised to take over under center, there’s cautious optimism that the Longhorns are finally positioned to contend once again.

Adding further intrigue to the moment is Texas’ upcoming debut in the SEC. After decades in the Big 12, the Longhorns are entering a new era in 2025 with their move to college football’s most competitive conference. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the margin for error couldn’t be thinner. Texas will be facing off against perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU on a regular basis. To thrive in that environment, they’ll need a quarterback who can make plays under pressure and turn games around with his feet or his arm—exactly what Vince Young did so often, and exactly what Mack Brown believes Arch Manning is capable of.

“He’s a dual-threat guy. Don’t let the last name fool you,” Brown said with a smile. “Arch can run, and he’s smart about when to use it. He’s got the instincts that separate good quarterbacks from great ones.”

Indeed, that dual-threat capability is part of what makes Manning so intriguing in today’s college game. While his uncles made their names as pocket passers in the NFL, Arch has embraced a more modern style of play. His mobility adds a dimension to the Longhorns’ offense that has been lacking in recent years. The coaching staff has reportedly begun tailoring the playbook to take full advantage of his athleticism, incorporating more read-option, RPOs, and designed quarterback runs.

Then there’s the business side of Manning’s presence. With a reported NIL valuation of $3.1 million, Arch Manning is one of the most valuable athletes in college sports. But rather than becoming a distraction, those close to the program say his business success has been handled with professionalism and balance. Manning has taken a measured approach to endorsements, choosing long-term partnerships over quick deals. This, too, has earned respect from coaches and teammates who say he’s as focused on winning games as he is on building a brand.

As preseason practices ramp up, all eyes will be on how quickly Manning can take command of the team. The Longhorns’ offensive line is expected to be one of the best in the country, anchored by future NFL talent. Their receiving corps is deep and explosive, giving Manning a full arsenal of weapons to work with. The defense, bolstered by new transfers and high-end recruits, is expected to be stout as well. On paper, the pieces are in place. The big question is whether Arch Manning can step into the spotlight and lead the team with the kind of composure and clutch performance that Vince Young was known for.

Brown, for his part, believes the answer is yes. “It’s not about being Vince,” he said. “Vince was one of a kind. But Arch has that same ability to take over a game. He’s going to do it in his own way, and I think it’s going to be something special.”

If he’s right, Texas could be on the verge of a renaissance. The program has endured years of “we’re back” claims followed by disappointing results, but Manning represents something different—something more tangible. He’s not just a name or a prospect anymore; he’s about to be the face of the program at the most critical juncture in its modern history.

As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, fans are already circling marquee matchups on the calendar. The anticipation is electric. The expectations are immense. And thanks to Mack Brown’s comparison, the legacy bar has been set sky-high. Whether Arch Manning will meet or exceed those expectations remains to be seen. But if he does, the echoes of Vince Young’s greatness may soon have a modern counterpart. One that doesn’t just honor the past, but leads Texas boldly into a new era of SEC competition—and possibly, national championship contention once again.