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Steve Sarkisian Gets Real on Arch Manning’s Leadership Growth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 1:03 PM ET

Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, recently shared insightful comments on Arch Manning’s remarkable leadership development.

In a candid discussion on the "Always College Football" podcast with Greg McElroy, Sarkisian highlighted Manning’s journey from a highly touted recruit to a respected team leader.

“I don't think I could've predicted a better way for this to go for him,” Sarkisian emphasized, underscoring Manning’s growth beyond his famous last name.

Manning’s leadership has been evident both on and off the field. Sarkisian praised his humility and work ethic, noting, “If you didn’t know name on the back of his jersey, you'd say man what a great teammate this guy is.”

This season, as Manning steps into the role of starting quarterback following the departure of Quinn Ewers, his leadership has become even more crucial.

Sarkisian pointed out how Manning earned the role as the starting quarterback rather than being given it, something that has won over the respect of his teammates.

The coach’s comments come at a pivotal time for Longhorns football, with high expectations for the upcoming season after being the only school with back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.

Manning’s readiness to lead the Longhorns against formidable opponents like the Ohio State Buckeyes, who he will square off against in the first week of the 2025 season, is a testament to his growth.

Sarkisian’s endorsement of Manning’s leadership is a significant boost for Texas fans, signaling a promising future for the team.

As the Longhorns prepare for a challenging season, Manning’s leadership growth under Sarkisian’s guidance is a key factor in their potential success.

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

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