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Greg McElroy Reveals Why Arch Manning Is Not A Top 10 QB In College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 5:01 PM ET

Anticipation is building for Arch Manning as he enters his first season as the starting quarterback at Texas, but Greg McElroy doesn't believe the former five-star is among the top players at the position just yet.

Manning's family legacy and highly-touted skillset have created some lofty expectations for the redshirt sophomore. The former No. 1 overall recruit signed with the Longhorns as the second-highest rated recruit in program history behind Vince Young (247Sports).

There were some bright spots in Manning's first two starts last season. The reality, though, is Manning hasn't proved his worth yet after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons.

Even still, ESPN analyst McElroy is bullish on Manning's potential.

"I love Arch Manning's skill set," McElroy said on "Always College Football." "I love his pedigree. I love some of the tape from last year. I love how he was utilized and how he's been developed by Steve Sarkisian and the staff."

"I think he is poised to have an amazingly successful career," McElroy continued. "Whether that's a one-year career, two years, three years, however long he's in Austin, assuming he's there his whole career. I think he's absolutely positioned to be tremendously successful."

McElroy isn't ready to tab Manning as a top-10 quarterback in college football. He labeled the talented, dual-threat passer as an honorable mention when revealing his list ahead of the 2025 season.

"While what I saw last year in spot start situations was tremendously good, lot of really positive things on those performances, there were also a few things that need to be cleaned up and I think they will be this upcoming year," McElroy said. "And when he elevates his play against quality competition, that's when we'll start to really make the evaluation."

Manning took over for an injured Ewers in the second quarter against UTSA and went on to start against UL Monroe and Mississippi State. In those three wins, 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.

"I loved him," McElroy said. "But I also need to acknowledge that a vast majority of his stats from last season were achieved against UT San Antonio, who was 71st in total defense, 124th in pass defense, against Louisiana Monroe, who was 83rd in total defense, and against Mississippi State, who was 126th in total defense."

Manning also made strategic appearances throughout the 2024 season in rush packages, but it remains to be seen how he will perform with all of the weight on his shoulders next season.

Those expectations are particularly high given Manning's popularity and the Longhorns coming off back-to-back playoff appearances.

New-look Texas will start the season off in a big way by visiting defending national champion Ohio State in a rematch from the Cotton Bowl semifinal. That anticipated matchup will take place on Aug. 30 in Columbus.

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

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