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Arch Manning’s Heisman Stock Rises Thanks to Overlooked Stat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 16, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Arch Manning may be living up to the family name sooner than expected.

The Texas quarterback has become one of college football’s most closely watched storylines heading into the 2025 season. And after just a few high-profile appearances, he’s already turning heads with a stat line that hasn’t been seen in decades. FOX Sports analyst RJ Young broke down the numbers — and put Manning’s name right in the early Heisman conversation.

“He had a 75-yard passing touchdown and a 65-yard rushing touchdown — and another 50-plus yard passing touchdown,” Young said on The Number One College Football Show. “That makes him the first player in 25 years in the FBS or the NFL to accomplish that feat in a single game.”

A rare stat, a rising star

Young called the stat “wild,” but emphasized its legitimacy. “It feels like a wild statistic, kind of like homering in domes at night on Sunday,” he joked, “but if you take a look at the film, you can see the traits of an outstanding quarterback.”

And those traits are hard to miss. Manning’s 6’4” frame, natural athleticism, and ability to throw on the run already have scouts and analysts reevaluating what his ceiling could be. As Young put it, he’s a “202-pound specimen that can run like a deer and has arm talent.”

The Longhorns are poised for another deep postseason push, and if Manning continues to deliver highlight-reel plays with game-breaking balance, the Heisman spotlight may come quicker than anyone predicted — except maybe those in Austin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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