Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former NFL Quarterback Sends Strong Message on Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 4:11 PM ET

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has started two games but is getting some high praise from a former NFL player.

EJ Manuel went on Friday's edition of "Get Up" to discuss how valuable it has been for Manning to stay in the same system for two seasons.

Manning arrived at Texas in 2023, but he to sit behind Quinn Ewers for the last two years.

He saw the most playing time of his career in 2024, playing in 10 games and in relief of Ewers. An oblique injury sidelined Ewers for two games, allowing Manning to start against UL Monroe and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

"When you have been able to sit in the same system, guys, for two, three seasons man, that is so valuable for a young quarterback," Manuel said. "He's gonna have a lot of confidence, he's probably gotten bigger, stronger, faster. I've seen him spend time with his teammates in the offseason, going to camps and going to their cities back at home. So, he's doing all the right things."

Manuel played college football for the Florida State Seminoles from 2009-2012 and spent time in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills (2013-16) and Oakland Raiders (2017).

Manning is expected to start for the Longhorns in 2025, but that does not make him afraid to be an example for other quarterbacks. Texas quarterback Dia Bell praised Manning's ability to block outside noise.

Bell is a five-star prospect in the 2026 class and has been committed to the Longhorns since June 17 of 2024.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian weighed in on Manning recently as well, joining "Always College Football." Sarkisian credited Manning's growth as a teammate since joining the team.

Manning and Texas face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the season opener on August 30. Kickoff is at Noon ET on Fox.

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

More must-reads: