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Brent Venables Makes Opinion On Arch Manning Clear Before Red River Rivalry

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 5:33 PM ET

The wider college football world has become very dismissive of Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning in light of his on-field struggles. But as he prepares his Oklahoma Sooners to face Manning and the Longhorns in the Red River Showdown, head coach Brent Venables is taking him very seriously.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Venables called Manning a "very talented, tough kid" and had nothing but praise for him ahead of their meeting at AT&T Stadium. Venables chalked up Florida's win over them last week to the Gators being "charged up and excited" to face them. He does not consider the Longhorns a team that are ripe for the picking and is preparing for them as such.

“Very talented, tough kid,” Venables said of Manning. “I loved how he battled and was able to bring his team back last week on the road in Gainesville — it’s a very difficult place to play.

“They (Florida) were charged up and excited to see Texas. And man, I just appreciate and respect the courage that I watched him play with as a young player. And hadn’t been in that position really much, if at all. I thought, again, what you saw even on tape at Ohio State, where he got within a score, having a chance to go win there. Same thing last week.”

Venables further praised Manning on his leadership. He stated that while he respects Manning's lineage of great quarterbacks, it doesn't guarantee anything.

“He’s a leader. Heavy is the crown,” Venables continued. “That position has to carry a lot of weight. And he’s done it like a champ, in my opinion.

“You’ve got a small sample size, but that’s who he’s been. He comes from a lineage, (but that) doesn’t guarantee anything, but he comes from a lineage that, that’s who they’ve been, and, so far, that’s what I’ve seen. Toughness and courage, the edginess, the response. All of those things are indicative of what I’m talking about.”

NORMAN, OK - APRIL 23: Head coach Brent Venables of the Oklahoma Sooners stands with his team for the alma mater during their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)Brian Bahr/Getty Images

State of the Sooners

Venables' team is 5-0 and close to reaching their highest AP ranking under his leadership. They got their first four wins with quarterback John Mateer, who looked like a Heisman Trophy favorite until suffering an injury that required surgery. He is expected to return later this season, but Michael Hawkins Jr. will have to man the proverbial fort until then.

Hawkins was sharp in his first start of 2025, which came against Kent State. The last time he faced Texas though, it was one of the worst days of his career as he led a losing effort against their hated arch-rivals.

Can Venables and Hawkins get the job done against Arch Manning and the Longhorns?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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