Arch Manning’s Weaknesses Revealed Ahead of Potential Breakout Season at Texas

"He will need to improve his timing in getting through progressions and knowing when to move off his first read," Reid continued. "He could also use his mobility much more on non-designed QB runs to help string together positive plays."

Manning (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions in 10 appearances as a redshirt freshman last season. He also racked up 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Three of those appearances came in pressure-filled situations. Ewers first went down with an injury in the second quarter against the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners in Week 3, giving Manning full rein of the offense. 

And he didn't disappoint. In the decisive win against UTSA, Manning rushed for a 67-yard touchdown, the longest by a Longhorns quarterback since Vince Young (2005). 

Ewers went on to miss the next two games against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks and Mississippi State Bulldogs, marking Manning's first two wins as a starter.

Albeit against some poor competition, Manning did enough over that three game stretch to paint a promising picture for the future. He completed 69.4% of his passes for 805 yards with eight touchdowns to two interceptions while adding 86 yards rushing and two scores on the ground.

Reid believes Manning will be best served by declaring for the 2027 draft due to his inexperience at this point. However, that doesn't mean there isn't "immense potential" surrounding the Longhorns' star. 

"He has a well-put-together frame, allowing him to avoid defenders in the pocket and bounce off tacklers in open space as a runner," Reid wrote of Manning's strengths. "Manning has a picture-perfect base and smooth delivery as a passer. He doesn't have much experience in that department, as Texas used him primarily as a runner in 2024, but his prototypical build and physical tools were apparent on tape and give him immense potential."

Manning and the Longhorns will kick the 2025 season off in a big way against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. The College Football Playoff rematch will take place at noon ET Aug. 30 on Fox.