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SEC Makes Controversial Arch Manning Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 12:43 PM ET

After two years of fans and analysts clamoring for him to take over the program, Arch Manning is officially the starter for the Texas Longhorns.

Not only is he a former No. 1 overall recruit, which generates enough excitement by itself, but Manning also hails from football's most famous family. His grandpa Archie and two uncles Peyton and Eli Manning were all stars at the college and NFL levels.

While the youngest Manning has two career starts to his name, he is already being tabbed as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by some. However, he clearly needs to show more when it comes to those around the SEC, as he was left off all three of the All-SEC preseason teams.

The three quarterbacks selected were LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and DJ Lagway (Florida). Although Sellers and Nussmeier are more established, many fans online felt that Manning could have been the third team selection instead of Lagway.

Should Arch Manning have been named to a All-SEC Preseason Team?

The Texas QB did not even make the All-SEC 3rd Team pic.twitter.com/QQrwLffE5s
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) August 20, 2025

"Chip on shoulder squarely placed," wrote one fan.

"Snubbed indeed," added another.

On the other hand, some fans felt that Manning needed to show more on tape besides his two starts and handful of appearances.

"Not enough tape yet. He will be," projected one user.

"No he needs to do some playing in games first and then if he’s doing better than most at his position then he could be considered for some kind of recognition but not until then," suggested another.

"Let him earn it. A full off-season with 1st team reps will do good," wrote another.

Although one could make a case that Manning showed enough promise in 2024, which saw him throw for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for four scores, Lagway does have a slight edge in important games played.

The fellow former five-star quarterback started seven games to Manning's two, and also threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns.

Of the quarterbacks picked ahead of him, Manning will only face Lagway head-to-head. However, it's safe to assume that there may be a bit of extra motivation on Oct. 4 when the Longhorns head to the Swamp.

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

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