Texas Quarterback Arch Manning Earns Preseason Third-Team Honors but Faces Stiff Competition from Elite Quarterbacks Ahead of Him
As the countdown to the 2025 college football season continues, preseason awards and honors are rolling in, giving fans and analysts a preview of what to expect in the months ahead. One of the most talked-about developments came when Texas quarterback Arch Manning was named to the preseason All-SEC third team. While being recognized on any preseason All-Conference list is a notable achievement—especially in a powerhouse league like the SEC—Manning’s third-team placement behind two other quarterbacks has sparked debate and renewed focus on what’s next for one of college football’s most hyped prospects.
Manning, entering his second season at Texas and his first as the likely full-time starter, was slotted behind Georgia’s Julian Sayin and Alabama’s Dylan Raiola. Both quarterbacks, like Manning, were highly regarded high school prospects and are now expected to lead two of the most storied programs in the SEC. For Manning, coming in behind those two adds intrigue to the storyline already surrounding him as a member of the sport’s most iconic family. Yet it also reveals how deep and competitive the SEC quarterback room is in 2025.
There’s no denying the significance of being named to the third team. It signals respect and potential—coaches, media, and analysts clearly believe Manning is poised to make an impact in the SEC this season. But for a player who was once labeled the next generational talent, anything short of first-team status feels like a challenge, if not a slight. That tension sets the stage for what could be a statement season in Austin.
Manning’s path to this moment has been unlike most quarterbacks. As the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Ole Miss legend Archie Manning, expectations followed Arch from the moment he threw his first varsity pass at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans. His decision to commit to Texas over Alabama and Georgia was seen as a pivotal recruiting win for head coach Steve Sarkisian, symbolizing the Longhorns’ return to national relevance.
But unlike his uncles, Arch didn’t walk into a starting role. He sat behind Quinn Ewers in 2023 and 2024, learning Sarkisian’s system, developing his frame, and adjusting to the college game. His cameos were limited, but in those brief appearances, he showed flashes of brilliance—tight-window throws, deep-ball accuracy, and poise under pressure. Now, with Ewers having moved on to the NFL, the reins have officially been handed to Manning.
Preseason evaluations, including the one that placed him on the third team, are based more on projection than performance. That’s what makes them both exciting and controversial. Sayin and Raiola have starting experience and slightly more in-game tape to evaluate. Sayin, in particular, had a breakout freshman year with Georgia, showing elite decision-making and arm strength. Raiola, after a strong finish in 2024, is entering the season with Heisman buzz as Alabama’s offense prepares to take another leap.
In contrast, Manning’s résumé is thin—but his upside is massive. Coaches around the league have taken notice of his mechanics, leadership, and maturity. Sarkisian has repeatedly praised Manning’s preparation and growth behind the scenes. Still, preseason honors reflect a combination of production and hype, and right now, Sayin and Raiola have a slight edge in the former.
That said, preseason recognition—especially third-team—can be a motivator, and it’s clear that Arch Manning doesn’t lack confidence or competitive fire. Those close to the Texas program say he’s approaching the 2025 season with laser focus. He’s bulked up physically, taken command of the locker room, and built strong chemistry with an elite group of receivers, including Johntay Cook II and freshman phenom Dakorien Moore. The offensive line returns key starters, and the run game remains a threat with Cedric Baxter Jr. leading the way. Simply put, Manning is stepping into a situation tailor-made for success.
And let’s not forget who’s calling the plays. Steve Sarkisian has developed some of the best quarterbacks in recent college football history, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Matt Leinart. His system is QB-friendly, blending pro-style concepts with tempo and spacing to create mismatches. If Manning stays healthy and plays to his potential, there’s no reason he can’t leapfrog his peers and be in the conversation for postseason first-team honors—or even national awards.
Still, it’s clear he’ll need to earn it on the field. The SEC gauntlet leaves little margin for error. Texas’ schedule includes road trips to Alabama and LSU, plus marquee games against Oklahoma and Georgia. Every one of those matchups could double as a quarterback showdown. Sayin vs. Manning in October could be a game that reshapes the Heisman and All-SEC discussions entirely. Raiola vs. Manning could be a de facto elimination game for a spot in the SEC Championship.
What makes Manning’s third-team status especially compelling is how it reflects the broader narrative around him. Ever since he committed to Texas, skeptics have questioned whether the hype surrounding him was based more on his last name than his talent. Others point to his deliberate development path as a strength—evidence that he’s not just coasting on family legacy, but working to earn everything in his own right.
This season gives Manning the chance to silence all doubts. Unlike many young quarterbacks who are thrown into action too early, he’s had time to sit, learn, and grow. His footwork, decision-making, and ability to manipulate defenses have all reportedly taken major steps forward in the offseason. And unlike his predecessors at Texas in the post-Colt McCoy era, he walks into a stable, well-coached system with weapons across the board.
Beyond individual accolades, Arch Manning’s performance this season could shape the trajectory of Texas football for years to come. A strong campaign could catapult the Longhorns into the College Football Playoff and set the tone for their SEC era. It could also send a message to recruits nationwide that Texas is not just a program with tradition, but a modern contender with NFL development, elite coaching, and real momentum.
Manning’s leadership off the field is already being felt. His presence has elevated the standard in the quarterback room and in team workouts. Coaches praise his football IQ and his ability to command respect from older teammates. That quiet, confident leadership style mirrors the qualities that made his uncle Peyton a legend. But Arch is carving out his own identity—one that mixes Southern charm, competitive grit, and unshakable belief in the Longhorns’ vision.
Texas fans may feel disappointed he didn’t land higher on the preseason list, but in many ways, the third-team nod is perfect fuel. It recognizes potential but leaves plenty of room to prove people wrong. And knowing Manning’s DNA, that’s exactly the challenge he’ll embrace.
Ultimately, the quarterback conversation in the SEC this season will be one of the most captivating in college football. Sayin and Raiola might have the early edge, but Arch Manning is far from a background player. He’s poised, prepared, and primed for a breakout year that could shift the national narrative.
Third-team may be the label for now—but if Manning lives up to expectations, don’t be surprised if he’s leading the first-team list come December. The SEC is brutal. The spotlight is unforgiving. But if there’s one player built for both, it’s Arch Manning. And his time has finally come.
