Former LSU Coach Makes Intriguing Arch Manning Comparison

That’s high praise considering Burrow’s 2019 run at LSU, which included a national championship win over Clemson, a Heisman Trophy, and a record-shattering offensive season that many call the best by a college quarterback.

Manning, meanwhile, is just stepping into the spotlight as Texas full-time starter. He saw limited action last year behind Quinn Ewers, getting a handful of designed plays and snaps when Ewers was injured, but 2025 will be the first time Arch runs the offense from start to finish.

The hype surrounding him is already enormous. Texas opens the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time in school history, and Manning is near the top of preseason Heisman Trophy odds, despite never playing a full season.

That has led some fans and analysts to pump the brakes. On social media, critics argue that the buzz is more about his famous last name than his actual production, with one common refrain being: Let’s see him play a few games first before putting him in Joe Burrow’s category.

But with Texas facing No. 3 Ohio State in its opener, Manning won’t have to wait long to prove himself. Orgeron’s words might feel lofty now, but if Arch delivers under the brightest spotlight, the comparison to Burrow might not feel so far-fetched.