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College Football Coaches Evaluate Arch Manning’s Potential

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 6:47 PM ET

The Arch Manning era is quickly approaching for the Texas Longhorns, and opposing college football coaches appear to think the hype is deserved.

Texas made back-to-back playoff appearances behind the arm of Quinn Ewers. With the three-year starter off to the NFL, it's Manning's turn to take the reigns of head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense.

A former five-star recruit from a family of legendary passers, Manning already brings high expectations. And his 2-0 run as a starter last season has only added more weight on the rising redshirt sophomore's shoulders.

Manning's talent is not understated, according to anonymous coaches polled by ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. One coach was surprised by the effortlessness from Manning using his arm and legs early in the season.

"That was way more natural than I thought it was going to be," the coach said via ESPN. "I was blown away by how effortless it looked."

Manning (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns to two interceptions in 10 appearances last season. He also racked up 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

One of the most notable moments came against UTSA in Week 3, in which Manning rushed for a 67-yard touchdown, the longest by a Longhorns quarterback since Vince Young (2005).

"Going into the game, I had respect for his body size, the way he threw it, how he commanded things," the coach added. "But then in the game, obviously he ran well. He's going to be in the Heisman conversation for damn sure."

According to FanDuel, Manning is tied with LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for the best odds (+800) to win next season's Heisman Trophy.

Another coach believes fans need to allow Manning, although uber talented, to develop into his starting role.

"He's an elite athlete," the coach said. "He's still a first-time starter, so people need to give him a little bit of time."

Manning and Co. will have a tough task in the season opener at Ohio State. The defending national champion Buckeyes ended Texas' playoff run in the Cotton Bowl semifinal last season.

Kickoff is slated for Aug. 30 in Columbus.

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

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